Author: Culture Summit

In Conversation with Samra Zafar: Creating the Workplace of Belonging

Written by Culture Summit on July 12, 2023. Posted in Interviews.

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Samra Zafar, a prominent figure in the HR/Culture/People space, who will be delivering a captivating keynote session at this year’s Culture Summit. Samra’s talk, titled “The Workplace of Belonging: Where Inclusion and Wellness Meet,” on Wednesday, September 27, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am PT.

In this interview, we had the opportunity to catch up with Samra and gain insights into her inspiring journey into the Culture space. We also delved deeper into the importance of fostering inclusion and wellness in the workplace.

Q: What initially attracted you to the Culture space?

A: As an ambitious woman and a person of color, I faced numerous moments of exclusion and microaggressions both in my corporate career and personal life. These experiences resonated with countless individuals who reached out to me after learning about my work. This inspired me to delve into the intersectionality of human experiences, the science of inclusion and belonging, and how we can apply these learnings to foster equity and break barriers for everyone to thrive.

Q: How has your attraction to this space evolved throughout your career?

A: Over the course of my career, I transitioned from banking to psychiatry, combining the neuroscience of human behavior with the business world and authentic leadership. Our innate need to belong as our authentic selves drives us as human beings. This necessitates developing inner resilience, fostering workplace cultures that embrace authenticity, and implementing intersectionality and DEI in diverse workplaces. To unlock the power of diversity, we must first build psychological safety that welcomes and values the contributions of diverse individuals.

Q: What drew you to develop expertise in fostering mental health within workplaces?

A: My passion for fostering mental health within workplaces stems from a trifecta of lived experience, scientific expertise, and business acumen. Having faced trauma and adversity in my own life, I became fascinated with understanding the science of how our brains function and unlocking the power of inner resilience. Applying this knowledge to the workplace allows us to foster inclusive mental health and authentic leadership. By combining inclusion and mental wellbeing, we can create a sense of true belonging and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Q: Could you share your thoughts on the business benefits of fostering a psychologically safe workplace?

A: The need to be part of a community is ingrained in the core of our brains—it’s not just a “nice to have,” but a fundamental requirement. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places social needs, including attachment, belonging, and recognition, just above physiological and safety needs. When these social needs are met, we can reach the pinnacle of the hierarchy—self-actualization, innovation, and creativity. By establishing a psychologically safe workplace where authenticity is welcomed and included, we take a vital step toward cultivating a culture of innovation, creativity, and business success.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for HR and Culture professionals post-pandemic?

A: In the post-pandemic era, one of the most significant challenges we face is loneliness. Extensive research demonstrates the negative impact of loneliness and disconnection on our mental health. While technology enhances efficiency, it also diminishes opportunities for organic human connection—sharing stories, personal interactions, and common experiences. Studies indicate that in-person meetings create more meaningful connections compared to virtual interactions. (See LinkedIn article June 2023) . Balancing technological efficiency with building inclusive, human, and authentic workplace cultures poses one of today’s greatest challenges and opportunities.

Q: It’s the year 2030, what is the workplace culture dialogue about?

A: I believe we are moving towards more open dialogue and inspired action about things we traditionally left outside of the office door. In 2030, my hope is that we will be talking openly about mental health, understand the role of intersectionality, and end the stigma around these difficult but necessary conversations.

Q: Why is your session a MUST-ATTEND event at this year’s Culture Summit?

A: Mental health and DEI are often seen as separate topics. In my session, I will unveil the extensive overlap between the two—they go hand in hand. The intersection between mental health and DEI is where true belonging lies. By attending my session, you will gain profound insights into fostering a psychologically safe workplace, unlocking the potential for diversity and innovation within your organization.

During my keynote session, I will share eye-opening stories, enlightening scientific insights, and valuable business leadership lessons. Get ready to be inspired to take action today and join me at the Culture Summit 2023. I look forward to seeing you there!

View further information on Samra Zafar’s Culture Summit Keynote: The Workplace of Belonging: Where Inclusion and Wellness Meet here.

Combating Loneliness in a Remote-First Workplace: Insights from Anthym’s CEO Brian Mohr

Written by Culture Summit on June 15, 2023. Posted in Company Culture.

This week, the Culture Summit team had the opportunity to interview Brian Mohr, the CEO of Anthym, a trailblazer in the HR/Culture/People space.

He will share insights on ‘Building Real Connections in a Remote-First Workplace’ at Culture Summit 2023. We discussed why combating loneliness is a vital concern for today’s HR and Culture professionals.

The Changing Shape of Workplace Relationships

In the modern workplace, Mohr notes, remote-first environments have become increasingly prevalent, posing challenges for building authentic connections among team members. There are financial implications, too, with disconnected and lonely employees costing US companies $400 bn annually. Further info.

Mohr emphasizes the significance of relationships as the foundation for all accomplishments, and he firmly believes that not only the work itself but also the people we work with significantly impact our professional and personal lives.

Indeed, combating loneliness is now a societal issue in the US. He highlights how the US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has identified addressing the isolation and loneliness epidemic as a key 2023 priority for his department. Learn more

Mohr’s company, Anthym is combating loneliness through action. For example, they are hosting FriendFest on August 1^st, 2023, the United Nations International Day of Friendship, to unite people and combat isolation.

Cultivating Real Connections in a Virtual World

So how do we drive real connection when working apart? Mohr suggests implementing a routine that enables team members to get to know each other on a personal and human level. This practice fosters trust, connection, belonging, safety, and inclusion within the team. You can learn more about his approach to building connected teams in his 2023 podcast ‘The Secret Sauce for Building Connected Teams’.

Learn more about Building Team Connections at Culture Summit 2023

If you want a fresh perspective on cultivating meaningful relationships within virtual teams and gain actionable insights to enhance your workplace, attend Brian Mohr’s session at this year’s Culture Summit!

Session Information

Title: Building Real Connections in a Remote-First Workplace

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 1:00 pm-1:45 pm PT

This session will help you to learn the latest techniques to build connections in a remote workplace!

Register for Culture Summit 2023

The Imperative of Work-Life Balance: A New Era for HR and Culture Professionals

Written by Culture Summit on May 18, 2023. Posted in Company Culture.

The global pandemic has spurred profound shifts in the workplace, compelling 58% of employees to reevaluate their work-life balance [View Bain Report]. As HR and Culture professionals, it’s become imperative to understand, adapt, and lead this change, or risk losing valuable talent.

Work-life balance is no longer about segregating professional and personal time. It’s about integration, understanding the fluidity between these two spheres, and allowing for a more human approach to work – a transition from work-life balance to life-work integration. Learn more about work-life integration in this article from timetackle.com

Why This Matters

The pandemic’s influence on work and personal life has altered the employer-employee relationship Employees now seek companies that acknowledge their human needs and adapt their strategies accordingly. As HR and Culture professionals, we have the responsibility to foster a culture that supports these needs. It’s time to reimagine our strategies and create a more human-centric approach to talent management. Learn more about new attitudes of employees post-pandemic in this ehstoday.com article.

Guiding the Change

Flipping the switch to life-work balance demands a new framework. It calls for dynamic leadership, clear boundary setting, flexible work models, and a genuine appreciation for time off. This transformation underpins the creation of a more empathetic workplace that not only retains but also attracts top talent. People are moving towards work-life integration to gain more harmony in their life.

Learn from the Experts at Culture Summit 2023

To successfully navigate this new landscape, join us at the Culture Summit 2023, where industry experts will guide the conversation into new approaches to work life balance.

Keynote: Flip the Switch: Work-Life Balance

Monday September 25, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm PT

Claude Silver, with her extensive experience and unique role at VaynerMedia, as Chief Heart Officer, brings a wealth of knowledge on creating a human-centric workplace. Marta Riggins, an authority on Employer Brand & Employee Engagement, offers invaluable insights into how to engage and retain talent in this new normal.

Together, they will discuss the switch from work-life balance to life-work balance, sharing actionable insights and strategies to implement in your organizations.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the industry’s best and redefine your approach to work-life balance. Join us at Culture Summit 2023 and be a part of this transformative conversation.

Elevating Organizational Success: The Power of Total Employee Experience

Written by Culture Summit on May 15, 2023. Posted in Business Case.

If you’re interested in increasing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and improving customer experience in your organization, then Total Employee Experience might be the answer for you! Total Employee Experience refers to how workers perceive their journey throughout the employee life cycle at an organization. By putting employees at the center of an organization’s strategy, a positive employee experience can be created, which can lead to a range of benefits including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved quality of work.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

Total Employee Experience is about creating a positive employee experience by putting employees at the center of the organization’s strategy.
Highly engaged employees are more productive, less likely to be absent, and more likely to make positive emotional connections with customers.
There are a variety of ways to expand and enhance the Total Employee Experience for your staff, such as connecting with employees’ lives outside of work, ensuring autonomy, and promoting growth.

Source Medallia.com 2020.

To learn more about Total Employee Experience and how to improve it for your organization, check out Harvard Business Review’s article on the latest approaches to enhancing employee experience.

And if you’re looking for practical insights and the latest techniques to boost Total Employee Experience, attend Danny Guillory’s Fireside Chat on “People Culture Purpose – Total Employee Experience” at Culture Summit 2023 on September 25th, 2023.

Danny is a renowned expert in the field of people, DEI, and recruitment, with over 30 years of experience. View Bio. He will be discussing how to implement radical transparency across all aspects of the total employee experience and sharing his views on the Future of Work.

5 Reasons you should attend Culture Summit 2023

Written by Culture Summit on May 4, 2023. Posted in The Basics.

As the world navigates these unprecedented times, the role of culture champions has become more critical than ever before. Mass layoffs have left organizations struggling to maintain a positive and engaging workplace culture, leading to demoralized employees and quiet quitting.

In the face of such challenges, people professionals are faced with the daunting task of restoring their company culture and re-engaging their workforce to ensure their organization’s survival and success.

In light of this reality, here are 5 reasons why this year’s Culture Summit is a ‘Must Attend” event for HR, Culture and DEI professionals

Our theme of “Re-Engage” – This year’s Culture Summit has chosen the theme of “Re-Engage” to illuminate the challenges facing today’s culture leaders and discuss approaches to address them. In these difficult times, transparency, equity, and trust should be at the heart of all staff interactions. Our conference will provide the tools to help you rebuild your company culture and grow.

Reduce the cost of quiet quitting – Did you know that up to 67% of US employees and 85% worldwide could be quietly quitting? (Source HR Daily Advisor) This can be costly for businesses. According to The Conference Board’s recent study, quiet quitting costs US businesses $450 to 500 billion annually. Learn more. Using the latest techniques to re-engage with staff is vital to reduce the impact of quiet quitting for your organization.

Gain access to the latest data, strategies, and frameworks – The industry leaders at Culture Summit 2023 will share the latest data, strategies, and frameworks to help you rebuild your corporate culture and reconnect with your workforce and provide you with practical strategies you can apply in your workplace.

Hear from leading culture and DEI professionals – This year’s event will feature leading Culture and DEI professionals from a cross-section of sectors, including Claude Sliver, Chief Heart Officer of VaynerMedia, Danny Guillory, Chief People Officer at Glassdoor, and Dr. Jenny Woo, Founder of Mind Brain Emotion. New speakers will be announced shortly! View a sneak peek at our lineup here.

Build your Brand: If you’re interested in sharing your experiences with 15,267 culture champions or building your company’s presence among this audience. Attendance is a must!

PS: If you’re interested in getting your company in front of 15,267 culture champions, Apply to be a sponsor today.