In an era of rapid transformations and the permanence of hybrid work, the essence of workplace culture has shifted dramatically. The 2024 OC Tanner Global Culture Report underscores this evolution, revealing that a thriving workplace culture is no longer just good to have but a business necessity.

Understanding the crucial shift essential for cultivating a people-centric workplace culture, OC Tanner and People Matters organised a series of executive roundtables in three cities: Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bangalore. Ryan Jensen, senior speaker and Strategist at O.C. Tanner Institute, led the conversation, along with Karan Bhasin, O.C. Tanner IMEA Director of Sales, Recognition, and Workplace Culture Strategist. 

The conversation centred around the theme "Decoding the Fundamental Shifts to Create People-Centric Workplace Culture." Leaders talked about the pathways through which organisations can foster a culture that not only adapts to evolving employee preferences but also drives business success.

The 2024 OC Tanner Global Culture Report, grounded in the experiences and voices of real employees, highlights the crucial role of culture in driving productivity, workforce engagement, and talent retention. At the core of this transformation is the concept of equitable flexibility and practical empathy. 

The Evolution of Employee Expectations

There’s a significant shift in how employees perceive their relationship with work. Research has revealed a deep yearning among employees to be part of organisations that lead with practical empathy, nimble resilience, and equitable flexibility. This yearning is not merely about equal treatment but fairness—acknowledging role limitations and balancing them with meaningful connections and empathy.

The keynote speaker at the conference invited HR leaders to join in making this shift toward a more people-centric workplace. This involves creating an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and fulfilment. The challenge, however, lies in translating these ideas into actionable strategies.

The Role of Leadership in Driving Change

One of the critical barriers to thriving in a people-centric workplace is the lack of intentionality at the highest levels of the organisation. Ryan highlighted that initiatives around equitable flexibility and nimble resilience cannot gain traction without prioritisation from top leadership. Leaders must empower HR teams to develop and implement solutions that address these needs rather than questioning their credibility or making employees feel unheard.

Intentionality in practice means that even if concepts of flexibility and resilience are shared in conferences, they must be executed effectively at the ground level. Middle managers, often under pressure to meet performance metrics, must also embrace these values. This requires a shift in how performance is evaluated and recognised.

Balancing Equitable Flexibility and Performance

On another round of discussion led by Karan Bhasin, a speaker added- a critical concern is the perceived trade-off between equitable flexibility and organisational performance. When employees are provided with flexible working arrangements, there might be a fear that performance could suffer due to reduced hours or adjustments. This scenario underscores the importance of trust. Organisations must trust that employees will deliver high-quality work regardless of the hours or adjustments made.

Karan Bhasin emphasised that equitable flexibility also means recognising and appreciating the efforts of those who facilitate this flexibility. Nimble resilience is about maintaining a two-way relationship where the organisation and employees are acknowledged for their contributions. This mutual recognition fosters a culture of trust and high performance.

The Ingredients of a Thriving Culture

The roundtable conversations clearly outlined the hallmarks of companies that have successfully driven productivity and engagement. Research by OC Tanner highlights that a sense of purpose is crucial for 73% of employees, while 62% value appreciation as a key factor in their decision to stay with a company.

To reimagine culture for 2024-25, organisations must focus on cultivating a sense of purpose and ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated. This involves building a culture where practical empathy and nimble resilience are embedded into everyday practices. Establishing a foundation of trust that supports equitable flexibility and acknowledges diverse employee needs is crucial. 

Navigating Change with Success

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of work, the role of culture becomes increasingly significant. HR leaders are crucial in this transformation, guiding their organisations through change with empathy and resilience. By prioritising equitable flexibility and fostering a sense of belonging, companies can create an impactful culture that not only attracts but also retains top talent.

The journey toward a thriving, people-centric workplace is marked by intentionality and trust. As highlighted by the OC Tanner Global Culture Report and the insights from the roundtable conference, organisations must embrace these principles to drive workforce performance and organisational success in 2024 and beyond. By reimagining culture and leading with empathy and resilience, businesses can create environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and ready to contribute to their fullest potential.

To learn more about how to redefine workplace culture and create a people-centric workplace, you can click here to read O.C. Tanner 2024 Global Culture Report.