Unlocking Employee Potential through Well-being and Talent Development with Ty Beasley

Andy Storch recently sat down with Ty Beasley, the Chief Talent Officer at RSM, a leading professional services firm. Ty shared invaluable insights into establishing a flexible and inclusive workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being, internal mobility, and leadership development.

Here are actionable steps to help you implement these strategies in your own organization.

Cultivate a Culture of Flexibility

At the core of RSM’s workplace culture is flexibility. This allows employees to balance work demands with their personal lives by accommodating remote work and office presence as necessary. To replicate this, foster a culture where flexibility is a two-way street. Encourage leaders to set a positive tone and messaging that underscores the importance of flexibility without resorting to micromanagement. This foundation can lead to a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

Promote Inclusion as a Business Imperative

Ty Beasley emphasizes that inclusivity is not just a moral necessity but a business imperative that enhances both client and talent experiences. Shift your focus from diversity to inclusivity to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Train leaders to foster a culture of inclusion, which aids in retaining talent and ensuring employee satisfaction. Celebrating and integrating diverse perspectives not only strengthens your team but also bolsters business success.

Encourage Internal Mobility

Internal mobility is a cornerstone of RSM’s strategy for retaining top talent. They focus on offering both vertical and horizontal career opportunities for junior staff, allowing them to explore different functions within the company. Develop a talent marketplace that helps employees discover and pursue internal opportunities, using technology to facilitate this process. Collect data to monitor the success of your internal mobility initiatives and use feedback to continually improve.

Invest in Employee Well-being

Recognizing the high-stress environment in professional services, RSM has a strategic focus on employee well-being. Promote a "whole person" approach by understanding the connection between employees' professional and personal lives. Offer a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility and provide well-being programs in partnerships with organizations like Virgin Pulse and Modern Health, focusing on both physical and mental health support.

Develop a Leadership Pipeline

RSM invests significantly in leadership development, focusing on technical skills for junior employees and leadership skills as they progress. Introduce a "lead from where you are" philosophy, encouraging leadership at all levels, regardless of title or seniority. Implement structured leadership development paths that grow with your employees, starting with foundational skills and evolving to encompass strategic and client-related competencies as they advance.

Encourage Curiosity and Initiative

Promote values such as respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and stewardship within your organization. Prioritize desired behaviours like caring, critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration over mere business metrics. By embedding these non-negotiable values, you can foster an environment that encourages innovation and personal initiative.

Focus on Continuous Improvement

Ty highlighted the importance of feedback in refining their strategies. Continuously seek feedback from employees to understand what is working and where improvements are needed. Use this data to adjust your programs and initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

By following these steps and learning from Ty Beasley's experience at RSM, organizations can create a dynamic and inclusive culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow within the company. Remember, building a thriving work environment requires intentional effort, commitment, and a willingness to evolve continuously.

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