From Clock-In to Buy-In: Building a Culture That Inspires -- S12E17
Dec 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Elizabeth Luzardo, Senior Director of Talent Strategy and Operations at iHerb, shares insights on cultivating a vibrant workplace culture. She highlights the power of individual strengths in driving employee engagement through strategic surveys and actionable feedback. The conversation covers fostering trust and collaboration, the significance of having a 'best friend at work,' and adapting communication to team dynamics. Luzardo emphasizes the importance of transparency and positivity, showcasing how intentional connections can lead to a thriving work environment.
iHerb dramatically improved employee participation in engagement surveys from 22% to over 90% through trust-building and transparency efforts.
The organization emphasized continuous communication about engagement surveys, ensuring that employees understood how their feedback influenced company culture.
iHerb's integration of CliftonStrengths helped foster a collaborative environment by highlighting individual strengths, boosting both job satisfaction and team relationships.
Deep dives
Impact of Employee Engagement Surveys
Implementing employee engagement surveys significantly increased participation at iHerb, with response rates rising from 22% to over 90% across multiple years. The first year of collaboration with Gallup highlighted the importance of trust and confidentiality in the feedback process, encouraging honest employee responses. Despite organizational changes during the pandemic, subsequent surveys continued to yield high engagement levels, with scores stabilizing and even increasing. These positive outcomes illustrate the shifting focus from basic satisfaction metrics to deeper engagement insights that drive organizational improvements.
Pre-Survey Strategies for Success
Effective pre-survey preparations were critical for iHerb in fostering a culture of engagement, where HR committed to continuous conversations about employee involvement year-round. Workshops provided detailed information about the survey, addressing frequently asked questions and reinforcing the significance of participation. Leaders were encouraged to communicate their commitment to the survey explicitly, which helped in demystifying the process for team members. Ensuring transparency and continuous dialogue allowed employees to understand how their feedback influenced organizational culture and decision-making.
Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Teams
iHerb's global organizational structure necessitated careful consideration of cultural differences when conducting surveys and interpreting results. The partnership with Gallup enabled surveys to be translated into various languages, boosting comfort and participation among international team members. Additionally, custom translations facilitated meaningful open-ended responses, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of employee sentiments across diverse locations. Recognizing cultural distinctions also aided in adjusting leadership approaches to foster inclusive environments that resonate with all team members.
Leveraging Survey Insights for Continuous Improvement
Following each engagement survey, iHerb utilized the gathered data to facilitate rich discussions between managers and their teams, emphasizing accountability and shared ownership of the results. The engagement team established a systematic approach to reflecting on survey findings and encouraged leaders to take proactive measures based on insights. By focusing on one key area for each survey cycle, leaders could prioritize actionable steps and promote an ongoing commitment to employee engagement. This structured approach ensured that team members felt valued and that their feedback translated into tangible improvements.
Integrating CliftonStrengths into the Work Culture
The introduction of CliftonStrengths into iHerb's work culture underscored the connection between individual strengths and employee engagement. This initiative helped team members embrace their unique qualities, fostering authenticity and collaboration within teams. Training sessions focused on utilizing strengths enabled employees to openly communicate their needs and motivations, enhancing overall job satisfaction. By embracing strengths, iHerb not only elevated employee performance but also strengthened interpersonal relationships, ultimately contributing to a supportive and cohesive workplace environment.
Learn about an organization that is building an engaging workplace culture and the steps it is taking to make it happen. Join iHerb's Elizabeth Luzardo and Gallup's Katie Humble and Jim Collison for an informative discussion on how to successfully navigate the challenges of engaging your organization's employees.
View the complete transcript for this webcast, along with audio and video, at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/654671/from-clock-in-to-buy-in-building-culture-that-inspires.aspx
Learn more or purchase the new CliftonStrengths for Leaders report: www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403427/cliftonstrengths-for-leaders.aspx
Are you enjoying this podcast? Make sure you follow us or leave a comment or review, so more people can learn about their natural talents.
Other ways to stay connected: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cliftonstrengths Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonstrengths/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CliftonStrength Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliftonStrengths For more information about strengths, visit gallup.com/cliftonstrengths
Subscribe to our CliftonStrengths Newsletter: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/348236/cliftonstrengths-newsletter.aspx
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.