In HRchat episode 742, we consider the business case for caring about culture. My guest this time is Becky Norman, Managing Editor of online HR and L&D publications HRZone and TrainingZone.For the past seven years, Becky has worked closely with industry practitioners and thought leaders to ensure the publications offer a rich source of real-world insight to a global audience on the biggest challenges for the future of work and learning.
Becky is also the co-creator of CulturePioneers, a campaign launched in 2020 by HRZone to inspire, empower, and celebrate organizations committed to building thriving workplace cultures. The campaign offers guidance and direction on tricky culture topics, while also shining a light on those creating exceptional, people-first organizations through its awards program.
Published today, the report identifies modern workplace culture trends including how women’s reproductive health is being taken seriously, igniting career curiosity, smart flexibility, and board-level buy-in for inclusion strategies.
Questions for Becky include:
- What’s it like to report on the latest in HR and L&D? What excites you about your job?
- We’re talking about culture today. What work cultures/leaders have inspired you in your career?
- You’ve just published a report on modern workplace culture trends. What are the trends and how did you identify these commonalities among people-focused organizations?
- Going a bit deeper into the third trend of smart flexibility…We’re four years on from the pandemic shifting the nature of how we work and yet many organizations are still struggling to find the right hybrid/on-site/remote framework that works for both the business and its people. How can this be remedied? Thoughts on the right to ask for compressed hours/4-day workweek?
- From this research and the awards program, you’ve seen how 240 different organizations are striving to create a better culture for both the business and its people. Can you share a few inspiring examples that stood out for you?
- For those starting out on a culture change journey, or not seeing good results from existing efforts, are there any lessons that can be taken from your Culturepioneers cohort?
- What’s next on the agenda for Culture Pioneers?