We often hear the words “progressive” touted around, often with minimal context. It has taken on both negative and positive connotations, depending on the context it’s given. But when it comes to business and work, “progressive business culture” has a particular meaning. Let’s take a look at what it means to be progressive in the workplace.
Instead of “Job Description,” It’s More About Skills and Abilities
Traditionally, tasks have been assigned based on job titles and descriptions. However, many of these are out-of-date as soon as they are made. This age-old approach inspires people to work on tasks they are obligated to do but are not necessarily motivated to complete.
People want to work on projects that are both fascinating to them and complement their skills and abilities. We’ve all heard that doing something you’re good at boosts motivation and engagement.
Forward-thinking businesses take advantage of this dynamic. They try to take advantage of the different expertise available inside the organization. In addition, they allow people to pick their assignments, responsibilities, and tasks. Employees at forward-thinking companies “build” their employment depending on their interests, skills, and talents. Frequently, the end effect is an interesting product as it will most likely be of high quality.
Offers Personal and Professional Development
Major companies and top corporations are continuously giving opportunities for their employees to grow as individuals, not just as a “cog in the machine.” This includes delegating time for employees to work on their projects, offering direct skill training, and building mentorship systems with management. This is a good illustration of a win-win situation, something that guarantees benefits both parties. The staff obtains essential skills, while businesses get highly skilled laborers and even boost employee loyalty.
Caring on a Personal Level
Companies that respect their employees’ well-being have been on the rise for some years. You’ll seldom have to leave the workplace to be active and healthy, thanks to on-site gyms and wellness days, as well as collaborations with local establishments for discounts. It’s not uncommon to see managers helping their employees in times of serious need, like helping their employees get 24-hour bail bonding services, an expensive medical procedure, or being lenient when it comes to working (or teleworking) formats. Ultimately, progressive companies understand that their employees are people with lives outside their business and that offering help on a personal level can show just how much they truly value their employees.
Promotes and Encourages a Sense of DIY Entrepreneurialism
Employees are encouraged to create and complete their projects, from their conception to the end product. Individuals drive their aims rather than relying on management for approval and permissions that often take quite a long time. This enables continuous innovation at all levels, and employees with initiative will emerge as an important workplace component.
Shared, Collaborative, and Cooperative Workspaces
Cooperative and creative workplaces promote collaboration and direct participation among employees across the board. They encourage workers to create stronger personal ties and actively interact with one another by reducing obstructions, even on a physical level. You’d be amazed how productive a workplace can be when the people who work there get along with one another.
Acquire Talented Individuals
Nowadays, job or career paths aren’t as linear as they were before, with more and more individuals finding themselves in multiple career paths. They might change roles or even entire sectors throughout their lifetime. Most job seekers are looking for salary or job security and opportunities to grow and improve as a professional. If a business can provide them with the opportunity to train and hone their skills, they’ll gravitate towards that company more. As a result, companies that offer such growth will receive more applications from those who are highly skilled in their industry.
Diversity and inclusion are, of course, essential components of talent acquisition. It is critical that you do not discriminate against your candidates based on their gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, or whether they are able-bodied. Diverse, inclusive, and progressive businesses are already seeing the results of their efforts: not only are they seen in a more positive light, but they have found that they’re generally more productive. This leads us to the last point.
Productivity: The Thing Businesses Are Built On
All of these progressive changes will be meaningless if it decreases an operation’s productivity. But the best thing is that it positively affects productivity! By treating employees with care and concern, letting them be autonomous and creative, businesses often report a significant increase in productivity, especially compared to traditional business culture.
