Clear vision for the future

2014 will be seen as the year we moved out of recession and started to see a return to some workforce stability. However, in many organisations employees have taken a range of hits, be they continuing redundancy programmes (aimed at changed skillset rather than headcount reductions), constant cost controls, moves from defined-benefit pensions to defined contribution, wage freezes and more flexible working terms and conditions.

2015 will be seen as a year where organisations need to share the benefits of the improved business climate and set a clear vision for the future or their talent will simply walk out the door to their competition.

From our research, indigenous Irish organisations are still significantly behind their foreign multinational competitors in their understanding of what makes a workplace great and how to create a culture that delivers a real performance dividend.

We have seen increasing use of data analytics to assess and provide workplace metrics, HR has becomes more strategic and has a stronger voice at the leadership table, organisations are taking more time to assess their employer brand. However, there is often a true leadership deficit and a gulf between what senior leaders believe is the best way to manage and what truly inspires employees to high performance.

Employees have been asked to step up and take increasing levels of ownership and responsibility in their roles. However, many companies are not truly changing their structures and organisation design to facilitate real employee empowerment and devolved decision-making.

Trust levels in Irish companies are still below where they need to be to deliver the environment necessary for the new world of work. Building a high-trust culture needs to be a top priority for 2015 – it’s time for organisations to challenge every aspect of what they do to create an environment that facilitates performance and each individual giving their personal best.

My thanks to all the organisations who put themselves forward to be assessed – you are focused on constant improvement in your workplace culture. My thanks also to everybody who helped produce this year’s Best Workplace publication – hopefully it will inspire others to begin the journey to make their workplace a great place to work.