The way we talk about culture and belonging has evolved, but expectations are higher than ever. Employees want meaningful experiences, fair access to opportunity and leadership that listens. In the latest webinar in ELFA’s educational series, “The Next Chapter of Workplace Culture: What’s Changed and What Matters Now,” Vicky Edwards, Chief People Officer of Alfa, Sarah Michael, SVP of Marketing at First American Equipment Finance, and I discuss today’s landscape, emerging trends, and how organizations can stay grounded in people-centered practices. Real-world examples are shared of how to move forward with clarity and purpose. The panel was moderated by Debbie Devassy Babu, Shareholder at Darcy & Devassy PC and Kinna Pattani, Associate Director – Head of Global Finance Practice at Alfa and Immediate Past Chair of the ELFA Inclusion Subcommittee.
Emerging Trends in Culture
Edwards discussed the inevitability of the impact that AI is going to have on corporate culture. The need for human connection and personal recognition will not disappear.
Michael pointed out that culture is no longer set by the C-Suite. It is a co-creation by colleagues across all levels of the organization. A strong culture is not one-size fits all. Employees value opportunities to connect that feel authentic. Leading with a learning mindset conveys curiosity, not judgment.
I evaluated what Gen Z is looking for in the workplace: Representation, Inclusion, and Purpose over Paycheck. They want to see that there is reward and career growth for hard work.
Actionable Strategies
The panel offered examples of how they are putting these findings into practice:
- Edwards reviewed how Alfa is currently curating a Culture Playbook, and what that looks like in today’s hybrid workplace.
- Michael described making genuine appreciation and gratitude part of corporate culture by encouraging it in every direction, or rather 360 degrees of recognition.
- At PEAC, we are just starting to launch Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and I shared the crawl-walk-run strategies it entails. Inclusion is better received when fewer people feel excluded, which has led to non-traditional ERG creations such as a remote group, a mental health group and a Gen Z group.
A Deeper Dive
Our panelists shared many more insights and approaches about how to attract, train and retain the best talent possible through the competitive advantage of culture. You can watch the entire webinar on demand.
Conversations like these will continue at this year’s Power of People Summit. At this conference, panels and workshops will facilitate discussions that foster engagement, inclusion and skill-building. Join us in Nashville, TN, October 1-2. Registration opens July 1.
