Episode: 202

Episode Title: A People-First Workplace Culture

What does it mean to put people first in your company culture? Big or small, every employer needs to do this. Find out why, coming up next on the Syndicate.

Ep 202 show:

You’re now in The Perna Syndicate—welcome! I’m your host, Mark Perna, and this week we’re talking about how much responsibility employers should take for their employees’ overall wellbeing. 

A recent study by MetLife found that 2 out of 5 employees say their employer isn’t offering benefits or programs that currently support their wellbeing. At the same time, 75% of respondents believe that employers should be playing an important role in this area. 

Speaking for myself as an entrepreneur with 24 people supporting my work, I agree with them. I’ve always believed in a people-first workplace culture, and sometimes that means we sacrifice a business opportunity because taking it would stretch my team too far. But I don’t see it as just a sacrifice. In the short term, maybe, but in the big picture, I am investing long-term in my people and their capacity to perform at peak potential. 

At my small company, I have the privilege to put people first in a very personal way. I interact with each person daily and this allows me to keep a pulse on how they’re doing, not just at work but in their personal lives as well. 

I believe larger companies can also create a personal touch when they accept responsibility for their employees’ wellbeing and happiness. The first step is finding out what employees need to support their health—mental, financial, physical, and more. Then, make it a priority to meet those needs. Because when employees thrive, so does the company.

Tomorrow on the show, everybody wants to be valued and supported by their employer—but older and younger generations define that support very differently. Find out what your generation wants at work. We’ll see you then!