Transform Your Workplace

In this episode, Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins discuss workplace trends to watch in 2024 according to a Gallup article. They talk about the ongoing high levels of employee stress, the erosion of organizational mission and purpose, declining leadership trust, manager burnout, the need for long-term hybrid work strategies, and the importance of fostering connection to combat isolation.   TAKEAWAYS Employee stress is at record highs and engagement is slowly recovering. Organizations need long-term hybrid work strategies to bridge the gap between employer and employee preferences. Fostering human connection is important to combat isolation in an increasingly remote/hybrid work environment.

In the most recent installment of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws talks with Sarah Adler, the CEO and Founder of Wave. The discussion revolves around the recent decline in mental well-being, heightened by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah shares valuable perspectives on how leaders can navigate and respond to the changing needs of employees in today's work environment. The episode provides a deep dive into key workplace issues such as screen time, communication strategies, generational differences, and effective leadership practices, all within the context of mental health. Tune in to gain insights into the pressing matters shaping modern business.   TAKEAWAYS The recent decline in mental well-being can be attributed to both pre-existing personal and workplace trends and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders must adapt to evolving employee needs in the modern workplace, especially within the context of mental health. Digital Natives are accustomed to a new type of workplace communication, often putting them at odds with those from older generations. Employers must recognize and address the higher incidence rates of mental health issues among Digital Natives. Proactive management approaches, such as setting clear expectations and understanding communication styles, foster a positive and supportive workplace environment.   Learn more about Xenium’s Learning & Development Program   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, our host sits down with corporate wellness expert and speaker Kristel Bauer. The two discuss Kristel’s 2021 TED Talk on work-life balance amidst COVID-19 and the profound impact of the pandemic on the modern workplace. From finding flexibility to being present both on the job and at home, tune in for valuable tips for navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.   TAKEAWAYS The COVID-19 pandemic prompted businesses to reassess their priorities, challenges, and values. In a hybrid workplace model, optimizing communication is crucial to fostering trust. The pandemic has led to a heightened awareness of mental health in which companies are urged to reassess their approaches and actively support employees facing challenges. Rituals or practices such as walks or clothing changes can help people smooth out the transition between work and home life. Leaders who offer workplace flexibility allow employees to fine-tune their practices for self-support.  Leaders must create a safe space for employees to share concerns and address challenges.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”

In this bonus episode, Nicole Blevins discusses the concept of "catfishing" employers who misrepresent jobs and company culture to candidates during the hiring process. This leads to disappointment and distrust when the reality doesn't match up. She shares a personal anecdote of friends calling her about mismatching expectations and work conditions. The key takeaways are: employers should accurately portray roles and culture to align candidate expectations, provide transparent communication, and focus on improving internal culture and employer branding consistency.   TAKEAWAYS Employers sometimes "catfish" candidates by misrepresenting jobs and culture during hiring. This leads to disappointment when reality doesn't match up. Transparent communication and accurately portraying roles and culture is key to setting proper candidate expectations. Employers should focus first on improving internal culture consistency before external employer branding and recruitment marketing efforts.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”

Josh Merrill, CEO and Founder of Confirm, discusses the transformative nature of integrating Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) into performance reviews, focusing on talent distribution, the importance of eliminating bias, and using ONA to identify top talent.

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, bestselling author Daniel Strode provides valuable insights into fostering corporate culture and navigating the pace of change in the modern workplace. He shares practical tips from his book, The Culture Advantage, highlighting the role of culture in driving innovation, the significance of a growth mindset in leadership, and the importance of putting your people first.   TAKEAWAYS Culture is "the way we do things around here, especially when no one is looking or listening." The rapid change in the modern workplace is driven by societal and technological shifts, making adaptation crucial for any business’s survival. It's not just about the amount of money, time, or resources a company has, but rather the culture of innovation that sets successful companies apart.  Building a culture that encourages and supports innovation is key to staying competitive. Changing a company's culture is a process that requires both immediate action and patience.  Effective leaders listen and guide employees to find their own answers, which fosters psychological safety and contributes to a growth mindset within the company. Leading by example is a key driver for cultural change within a company.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”

Dr. Steven Rogelberg, Chancellor's Professor, discusses the importance of 1:1 meetings for leaders in his book 'Glad We Met'. He highlights the benefits, such as improved engagement and retention. Practical strategies for effective 1:1s include building agendas, adjusting meeting frequency, and leveraging asynchronous documents for follow-through.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws catches up with Josh Durham, Founder of Gamut Project Solutions and a veteran in the construction scene. Drawing from his extensive experience managing billion-dollar projects for over seventeen years, Josh shares insights on genuinely exchanging thoughts and ideas versus falling for the illusion of communication. The episode doesn't just talk the talk — it serves up practical strategies to amp up your professional communication. Tune in if you're serious about boosting this crucial workplace skill.   TAKEAWAYS All humans share an inherent desire for survival, belonging, and personal growth. Fear triggers defensive reactions, hindering direct and clear communication. Active listening is the cornerstone of quality communication, and listening with empathy is the key to fostering understanding. Leaders must cultivate a workplace where employees feel psychologically safe to voice concerns and ideas, and doing so minimizes explosive conversations and encourages open dialogue. “Blame language” triggers defensive reactions, hindering the recipient's ability to absorb the message. Disagreements can offer us opportunities to self-reflect and reconsider our position.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”  

Nicole Blevins, expert in creating meaningful connections, discusses the importance of vulnerability, active listening, and meaningful dialogue in remote or hybrid work environments. Employers can support connections through activities like virtual lunches, resource groups, and providing conversation starters. High-quality connections build trust, leading to productivity and engagement.

This episode of Transform Your Workplace features a deep dive into insights from Curtis Bateman’s co-authored book, Change: How to Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity. The episode explores the most common reactions to change — Move, Minimize, Wait, Resist, and Quit — and the leader’s role in understanding and managing these reactions as they move forward. Don’t miss this timely discussion on how leaders can spearhead positive change in a constantly evolving workplace.   TAKEAWAYS Move, Minimize, Wait, Resist, and Quit are all natural and common reactions to change in the workplace.  Leaders must recognize and manage these diverse reactions instead of moving forward without employee buy-in. Each reaction has its strengths and limitations, and leaders can effectively tap into and leverage the strengths during times of change. A well-crafted case for change facilitates alignment and engagement throughout the organization. Leaders need to discern where their team members are in their journey through change and tailor their approach accordingly, and this requires a deep understanding of people's feelings, thoughts, and actions in the midst of change.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”