A company dealing with social media called Hootsuite has shown that listening actively to your employees leads to a cohesive and cooperative environment. Following Tara Ataya’s appointment as Hootsuite’s chief people and diversity officer in December 2020, initiatives have been developed to improve employee experience. These measures have consequently led to low staff turnover rates due to vital employee feedback.
It may be obvious that you should listen to your workforce but sadly not all employers deem it essential. According to a 2021 Medallia survey, more than 50% of employees said their employers only rarely or never ask for an opinion.
Especially in the context of COVID-19, it has been recognized that the workplace is transforming rapidly and swiftly. The aftermath of the pandemic indicated that things could not go back to being as they were before. Ataya together with her team, at Hootsuite, started a systematic approach of seeking employee input by conducting regular focus group sessions, surveys, and manager roundtables.
They took the opportunity to inquire from their employees, who were lovingly also called “owls” or “peeps”, regarding their remote work experiences and preferences. Hootsuite benefits, policies and initiatives were shaped by this feedback to achieve organizational objectives. The connection was a common theme in the feedback.
These are learning sessions that come with lunch and team meetings that allow a roadmap presentation of the objectives. Ataya highlighted that perch days are all about fostering collaboration and human connection, rather than just working at desks or attending virtual meetings.
In essence, Hootsuite’s success story illustrates that actively listening to your employees, understanding their evolving needs, and taking tangible steps to address those needs can significantly improve the workplace environment and foster stronger connections among your team. As the workplace continues to change, embracing this kind of listening and adaptability is crucial for HR leaders and their organizations.
