In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive and ever-changing business environment, many organisations are rethinking their approach to workplace culture. One of the most popular is the adoption of a people first culture. This type of workplace culture prioritises the needs, interests, and well-being of employees above all else, and it is gaining popularity among businesses of all sizes and industries. In this article, we will explore the top 10 benefits of a people first culture in the workplace.
Benefits of a people first culture
1. Improved staff engagement & retention
The more valued and respected people feel, the more engaged and motivated they will be. A people first culture can help to create a sense of belonging and purpose among staff, which leads to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.
2. Increased productivity
Secondly, when employees are happy and engaged, they tend to be more productive. By prioritising people over process, you can create a work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
3. Happier customers
A people first culture can also help to improve customer service. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to provide excellent customer service and to go the extra mile to help customers.
4. Enhanced employer brand
An organisation with a people first culture is more likely to attract the right people. A workplace that values the contributions of its employees and supports their personal and professional growth will attract potential employees.
5. Increased profits
Studies have shown that organisations with engaged staff tend to be more profitable than those with disengaged staff. A people first culture helps to cultivate a positive work environment that fosters engagement and productivity, which can ultimately lead to increased profitability.
6. Improved staff health & well-being
A people-first culture helps to promote the health and well-being of the people who work there. By understanding the importance of individual needs, organisations can create a work environment that:
- supports work-life balance
- provides opportunities for exercise and relaxation
- promotes mental health and stress management
7. Reduced absenteeism
When people feel valued and supported, they are far less likely to miss work due to illness or stress. By putting the needs of people first, organisations can co-create an environment that promotes employee health and well-being, which in turn reduces absenteeism.
8. Enhanced diversity and inclusion
A people first culture can help to promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace. By valuing the unique contributions of each and every person, leaders can grow an organisation that is welcoming and inclusive and values people of all backgrounds and perspectives.
9. Increased loyalty
When people feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be loyal to their organisation. A people first culture can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among individuals, which in turn helps to reduce turnover and increase retention.
10. Positive impact on society
A people first culture can have a positive impact on society as a whole. By putting people first and promoting social responsibility, organisations can create workplaces that not only benefit staff, but also contribute to the well-being of the broader community.
In conclusion, a people first culture has numerous benefits for both organisations and individuals. By prioritising the needs, interests, and well-being of people, organisations can create a positive work environment that fosters engagement, productivity, and collaboration. This, in turn, leads to increased profitability, reduced turnover, and a positive impact on society as a whole.
How to create a people first culture
Finally, if you are interested in creating a people first culture within your organisation, where everyone feels valued and supported, then your organisation will need to change. Often we assume that people dislike change and that this process will be met with resistance. However, the truth is that people dislike being changed. Any resistance melts away, once everyone is involved in and contributing to that change, .
AWA’s trusted and proven method puts people first and involves everyone in the change process. This approach is called the Enterprise Change Pattern and you can find out more about it here.