Culture is Your Unique Society

Balancing Strategy, Culture, and Diversity

On Wednesday, I attended an inspiring workplace event in Birmingham that focused on creating inclusive workplaces by balancing real estate strategy with flexibility and culture. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can be a controversial topic. Some argue that it gets in the way and that we should continue as we always have.

However, many organizations are embracing flexibility and incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Clients increasingly focus on these aspects, and companies must connect with their clients by aligning their values and practices. It's not about moving or re- adjusting your culture but finding the right balance for your society within your company. Be yourself and find out who you are. Just because everyone is following ESG and DEI, don't force something else; otherwise, it will become toxic.

Senior leaders may have established ways of thinking, but there are effective strategies to inspire change and bridge the generation gap. Implementing change management within your own company is crucial before extending it to others.

Encouraging positive feedback from the team can significantly influence opinions and promote a more inclusive and dynamic environment. Diversity can be a powerful door opener. Knight Frank, for example, is incorporating diversity into their practices.

However, some companies are still resistant to change. It's important to notice these differences and work towards inclusivity. To unlock workplace value, it's crucial to bring on technology and bridge the gap with skill sets. If this gap isn't filled, it will continue to grow. Upskilling teams ensures they are competent and future ready.

Flexibility, Wellbeing, and Leadership

Managing flexibility within the workspace involves giving employees full control while still managing it responsibly. The office experience needs to be as good as or better than working from home. Adding levels of control and personalization can make employees want to come to the office. Facilitate general needs by finding out what support employees need and providing solutions.

Understanding the daily experiences of employees is key to fostering wellbeing. The physical environment, including elements like scent, can shape their day. Encourage those who don't normally speak up to join forums. Accurate data and metrics help identify gaps and create growth plans. Emotional statistics around the company are vital - everyone should listen, share, and act.

Culture is context. It's about what happens when no one is watching and surfacing unwritten rules rather than making them invisible. Get the truth on the table and identify core values for now and the future. Behaviours of the leadership group will lead the behaviours of employees.

We can't do this alone; we need the people. Embrace courage and accountability in leadership. Listen and make people part of the process. Prioritize and juggle alignment. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial - people follow what their leaders do, so demonstrate it intentionally. Use your voice to challenge ideas and manage imposter syndrome. 

Leasing agents hold significant power in shaping workplace environments. They are crucial allies in navigating the complexities of real estate strategy. Every organization has its own unique society and understanding this is vital for creating spaces that resonate with the company's culture.

This event was a reminder that building inclusive workplaces requires a delicate balance of strategy, flexibility, and culture. By embracing these principles, organizations can create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Key takeaways

-    Every organisation has it’s own unique society which configures your culture – good culture techniques aren’t universal.

-    Bridging the knowledge gap with technology & skill set, otherwise it will keep widening.

-    Question: if every employee in your company recorded a ‘day in the life’, how would the daily culture experience differ?

-    Your culture isn’t the values written on the wall, it’s what happens when no one is watching, the unwritten/invisible rules. 

-    The leaders, lead the accountability for the ‘daily juggle’ 

Written by Natalia Temple