KEIRUS by KJE

Executive teams often sense an urgency that something must change within their culture, but they can't quite put their finger on what it is. If you have been feeling this way, you are not alone. Executive leaders are sorting out the why and the what's next to increase their employees' motivation, engagement and persistence. These factors ultimately improve the overall profitability and success of the organization. The workplace culture has always been critical to an organization's success, but over the past several years, it has become a critical component of employee satisfaction and retention.

Employees are more aware of what they desire in their work experience and have raised the bar on their expectations. This awareness has demanded that executive leaders critically evaluate their internal practices, behaviors and policies to determine if they are inclusive and equitable. They must determine if they have a culture where employees can independently thrive while contributing to a successful team effort as they present their authentic selves. Suppose you are experiencing this shift or need to shift, but don't feel you have turned the corner. In that case, it is essential to note that culture transformation is a multi-dimensional process that begins with acting on the instinct that something must change.

Many leaders have made changes but have found that slight implementations aren't sustainable to bring the desired results if they do not engage the hearts of their employees. The ears of the leader must also be open in addition to their hearts. If they have heard the frustration but have not gone deeper to determine the root of the problem, they will take a downward spiral into one surface tweak after another while yielding the same unfulfilling results.

If you are ready to transform and evolve, there are a few questions you must consider:

What do you know to be true? As you transform culture, it can be overwhelming to approach the process from what you don't know. Reframe and start with your certainties. What is your heart towards the people you employ, and how valuable are they to your work? Are your values apparent through your day-to-day interactions and processes, and is appreciation evident? Have you embedded these values as touchpoints throughout your organization?

How knowledgeable is the leadership team on your vision? Is your culture vision evident and at the forefront of all you do? How can you circumvent losing focus of your vision in the fast pace of day-to-day? It is important to ensure your leadership team is knowledgeable and forward-thinking. If your brand does not reflect the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, you may unknowingly exclude a large percentage of the available talent pool to undergird your vision and join your organization.

What are my non-negotiables, and where can I flex? It is perfectly fine to know that you have areas you are uncomfortable changing. Equally as important is knowing the areas you are willing to offer flexibility. A limited mindset will prevent you from adequately assessing how you can evolve, a growth mindset, however, will allow you to ensure you are maintaining a competitive edge. An experienced DEI strategy partner, such as our firm, will advise and help you review this list with a realistic and creative approach to measurable change.

Evolve: It's Time

When we don't evolve, we become extinct, or in today's cancel culture, organizations can quickly be riddled with one-star reviews and known as a company where diverse groups of people receive the message, they are unwelcome. Some organizations have refused to level up their DEI strategy and continue using check-the-box methods to meet the minimum requirements. Your employees exist in a world where DEI is becoming more apparent and have discovered they want more knowledge and application.

KEIRUS, our digital platform, is designed to give your employees an exciting hands-on approach with a comprehensive curriculum and resources at their fingertips

KEIRUS, our digital platform, is designed to give your employees an exciting hands-on approach with a comprehensive curriculum and resources at their fingertips. At KEIRUS BY KJE, we believe that curated culture transformation is the remedy to the ongoing need to enhance employee experiences and will catapult organizations to evolve. We offer your organization the tools to transform through culture building activities, DEI training, and assessments to foster employee engagement. KEIRUS provides a multi-year learning journey for leaders and employees with the resources they need to develop an authentic culture of belonging.

Our Team has more than 40 years of experience in data and analytics, human resources, corporate communications, and DEI to help you make the necessary changes to elevate your DEI approach and education.

Learn more about KEIRUS by KJE at keirusglobal.com