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Building a Great Workplace:
Steps to Success
Bruce MacLellanPresident and CEO
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Environics by the Numbers
Founded in 1994
2009 revenue:$12 million
85 team members
Average age: 34
90% Female
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Our Philosophy
Great companies recognize that success is not just
measured by profit but also by their impact on the
community, the environment and the well-being of
employees.
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The Golden Rule
A simple but powerful workplace rule
The concept is foundin Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism and other religions
"Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you."
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Culture: It’s Everybody's Job
Top down
It takes a villageto raise a culture.
Success
+Bottom up
=
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Twelve Ways We Build Trust and Have
Fun
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Know What You Value and Set Expectations:
The company’s business goals
Standards of integrity
Standards of excellence:people like to work for a winner
Work-life balance
Etc.
Leaders Set the Direction
Be clear and walk the talk!
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People want to know wheretheir organization is going
Provide frequent updates andprevent rumours
Be honest about both successesand challenges to show othersthey can do the same
Let people know how they fit into the plan. Ask for their feedback
Be Clear and Transparent2.
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Hire RightHiring people without consideration for fit with your culture is asking for trouble
Hiring for culture does not narrow your diversity, creativity or inclusiveness
In our case, our culture nurtures diversity, creativity and inclusiveness
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Care for Your Team
Benefit plans thatreflect the needs
Expand as needed:e.g. daycare place guarantee
Pandemic preparedness: Tamiflu doses
Flexible work hours
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Show Character in Adversity5.
Company: Keep your values in times of challenge
Individuals: Help people when they’re down
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Invest in People
Everyone wants to grow and advance
We make it mandatory with annualindividual reports
We support:
– Business Skills(sales, managing people,languages, writing, etc.)
– Personal Interests(pottery, cooking, decorating, etc.)
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Stand for More than MoneyIn 2008, we became the first carbon neutral marketing company in Canada
More than once, we have resigned a client that was unprofessional or rude to people
Decisions that put people or community aheadof profit are popular and remembered
Support the community
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Show Appreciation
Say thank you
Talk about people’s successes
Ask people to present case studies
Give them small gifts of appreciation
Surprise extra holidays such as a4-day Canada Day weekend
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Show people they are appreciated
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Share the Rewards
Show people they are valued and rewarded
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Pay fairly for what they do
Give them profit sharing
Give them trips
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Be Flexible
My favourite ruleis to have few rules
A balance must be struck between standards and innovation
Few human situations are the same, so why not customize solutions
10.
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Listen
People are invited(and expected) tostep up and speak up
Staff drive green efforts, charitable events,supplier terms, etc.
Shared company blog
Surveys and meetings (GPTW survey)
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Have Fun12.
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The Best Measure of Success
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Think About This Question
Is your Organization in touch with its Humanity?
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