Andy Storch recently hosted Bernard Kaumanns, the founder and CEO of Leaders Who Care, on the Talent Development Hot Seat podcast. Kaumanns provided invaluable insights into creating a healthy performance organization focused on mental well-being, employee engagement, and effective leadership. Here are actionable steps to help you foster a similar environment in your own company.

Align with Purpose-Driven Values

Bernard emphasized the importance of aligning organizational values with the purpose-driven focus of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. To attract and retain these employees, ensure your organization’s mission, vision, and values resonate with their personal beliefs and ambitions. Make these values visible in all aspects of the workplace, from the hiring process to daily operations.

Focus on Healthy Performance

Bernard introduced the concept of a "healthy performance organization," highlighting its potential to reduce attrition, sick leave, and improve engagement rates. Create an environment that prioritizes employee well-being. This can be achieved by offering wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a balanced work-life dynamic.

Enhance Employee Engagement

Both Bernard and Andy pointed out the critical need for high employee engagement, especially with an aging workforce. Encourage open communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure employees feel valued and heard. Implement regular check-ins and surveys to gauge engagement levels and address concerns promptly.

Support Middle Management and Build Leadership from the Top

Middle managers often face immense pressure from both higher-ups and their teams. Effective cultural changes must start with top management. Leaders should model behaviors that alleviate the pressure on middle management, ensuring a trickle-down effect that fosters a supportive work environment.

Use a Diagnostic Approach for Cultural Change

Bernard stressed the importance of using data to create a baseline for the current culture. Collecting and analyzing metrics can help convince senior leadership of the need for change. Use this data to develop strategic and financial justifications for initiatives aiming at cultural transformation.

Promote Self-Awareness and Compassion in Leadership

Effective leadership begins with self-awareness and self-compassion, according to Bernard. Leaders should seek external feedback and coaching to understand their impact and adapt accordingly. This will help them address burnout and mental health challenges within their teams.

Addressing Burnout

Burnout can result from a lack of connection to purpose, overwork, and constant mental exhaustion. Leaders need to help teams focus on essential tasks and prioritize breaks for mental recovery. Integrating mindfulness practices and encouraging a balanced workload can significantly reduce burnout risks.

Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety

Creating a psychologically safe work environment is crucial. Encourage open communication where employees feel safe to share their thoughts and ask for help. This trust-building practice ensures a more cohesive and resilient team.

Invest in Mental Health Initiatives

Bernard noted that while there is growing awareness of mental health in workplaces, more progress is needed. Investing in mental health programs and acknowledging their economic impact can lead to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Post-pandemic, flexibility and mental health initiatives have become even more essential.

Embrace Evidence-Based Practices

Studies by Gallup, McKinsey, and Deloitte highlight that investing in employee well-being leads to better financial and operational results. Use these insights to implement evidence-based practices that enhance engagement and productivity.

Transition to Modern Leadership

Transitioning to a leadership approach based on trust and flexibility is challenging but necessary. Leaders should experience and understand desired behaviors to implement cultural changes effectively.

Learn from Bernard Kaumanns’ Experience

During the podcast, Kaumanns suggested exploring LinkedIn and his website, Leaders Who Care (leaderswhocare.ch), for more insights into his work on workplace well-being and leadership. Andy Storch also emphasizes the importance of taking care of employees' well-being and offers services as a speaker and author aimed at improving workplace engagement.

Creating a healthy performance organization requires intentionality, commitment, and continuous effort. By following these steps and learning from the insights of leaders like Bernard Kaumanns, companies can build environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and productive.

Be sure to tune into the full episode on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast!