How to Balance High Performance and Employee Well-Being
Nov 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Victoria Klug, HR Director Eastern Europe at Beiersdorf, shares her journey from industrial technology to FMCG, highlighting Beiersdorf's transformative approach. She discusses the 'Win with Care' strategy, emphasizing the harmony between high performance and employee well-being. Victoria explores the evolving expectations of employees regarding company values and the need for courageous, empathetic leadership. The conversation underscores how a culture of care can drive innovation while achieving business goals in a sustainable manner.
Balancing high performance with empathy is essential for driving sustainable growth while ensuring employee well-being and engagement.
The 'Win with Care' strategy underscores the importance of developing a culture of empathy and inclusion alongside achieving ambitious business outcomes.
Deep dives
Balancing Performance and Empathy
A focus on performance can sometimes lead to unrealistic targets that overlook employee well-being. Striking a balance between driving business outcomes and fostering a caring environment is essential for sustainable growth. Organizations should aim to cultivate both high performance and meritocracy while ensuring that their teams are supported and engaged. Facilitating conversations that combine these elements helps build an awareness of the need for empathy alongside achieving ambitious goals.
Embracing Transformational Change
A move from the industrial technology sector to the FMCG industry prompted an exploration of transformation within a new organization. This transition highlighted the importance of revamping human resources to align with growth and digitization. Companies can achieve remarkable success by focusing on empowering employees and actively addressing their changing needs during times of significant change. Integrating digital tools and professionalizing HR practices is key to supporting an organization through its transformation.
Purpose-Driven Corporate Culture
Establishing a clear purpose, such as 'caring beyond skin,' shapes company strategy and influences employee engagement. Programs like community service days not only enhance corporate responsibility but also provide employees with opportunities to give back to society. In addition to performance, creating a positive societal impact is essential for fostering a fulfilling workplace culture. Furthermore, prioritizing inclusion, especially for people with disabilities, can provide a broader perspective on how companies drive their social mission.
Navigating the Future of Leadership
Modern leadership requires a balance of care and courage, promoting both a results-oriented mindset and a compassionate approach to employee engagement. Leaders must cultivate self-awareness to determine when to prioritize bold actions and when to focus on supporting their teams. As organizations face various external challenges, developing a responsive leadership model that encourages reflection and dialogue is crucial. Implementing programs like mental health support and critical illness policies demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee well-being while striving for business success.
Victoria discusses her experience transitioning from industrial technology to the FMCG industry and the exciting transformation Beiersdorf is undergoing.
She shares insights on balancing performance and care, developing a culture of empathy and courage, and leading impactful sustainability initiatives. Victoria also explains how Beiersdorf’s “Win with Care” strategy shapes their people and business roadmap, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, people-centered leadership.
🎓 In This Episode, Victoria Discusses:
Creating a sustainable and inclusive workplace.
Beiersdorf’s “Win with Care” strategy drives impact.
The need for courageous yet empathetic leadership.
Balancing high performance with empathy for team well-being.