Elevate Your Workplace Culture: 8 HR Resolutions for 2024

Another year means the prospect of exciting new opportunities for HR professionals to redefine workplaces, elevate employee experiences, and shape a brighter future; embracing innovative strategies that prioritise not just the company's success, but also the wellbeing and growth of its most valuable asset — its people.

Outlining HR resolutions for the year ahead can help significantly with devising your organisation's strategy for the year. These resolutions can serve as a helpful roadmap to foster inclusive cultures, enhance employee engagement, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the workforce. We've put together eight impactful HR resolutions to transform workplaces and drive your organisation towards greater success this year.

1. Prioritise employee wellbeing

In today's fast-paced world, the significance of mental health and wellbeing support in the workplace cannot be overstated. As the boundaries between our personal and professional lives continue to blur, the need for a comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing has become increasingly evident. Recognising that a healthy mind is as crucial as a healthy body, organisations are awakening to the profound impact that mental health and wellbeing support can have on both their employees and their bottom line. 

Employers can prioritise employee wellbeing by implementing a holistic approach that addresses various facets of their lives. This involves offering mental health resources, promoting work-life balance through flexible schedules, providing wellness programs, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Regular check-ins, open communication channels, and creating avenues for professional development and career growth also play crucial roles. Additionally, acknowledging the individual needs of employees and tailoring support accordingly, whether through remote work options, childcare assistance, or access to counseling services, demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing. Ultimately, it's about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

2. Be open about flexible ways of working

Hand in hand with prioritising employee wellbeing is continuing to be open to new and improved ways of working. Accommodating employees' flexible working needs, particularly remote work, remains a pivotal focus in fostering a dynamic and adaptive workplace culture. Empowering individuals to work remotely not only respects their preferences but also acknowledges the diverse circumstances that shape their productivity.

It's about enabling flexibility without compromising productivity, allowing employees to balance personal obligations while contributing meaningfully to the organisation. By championing flexibility, we not only enhance work-life harmony but also embrace the changing dynamics of workplaces, instilling a sense of trust in employees across the organisation.

Read more:

• 6 Key Factors Successful Hybrid Working Models Have in Common
• The Red Cube Episode 11: Creating a Culture of Resilience Through Remote Work with John Riordan
• The Impact of Trust in Remote Working

3. Encourage employee engagement

A key part of building trust in your organisation is keeping employees engaged. This can be achieved in a number of ways, such as regular feedback mechanisms, recognition programs, and open communication channels. Regular and transparent communication about company goals, updates, and successes keeps employees aligned and motivated. Encouraging feedback and providing opportunities for involvement in decision-making processes empowers employees and demonstrates their value to the organisation.

Tailoring recognition and rewards to individual preferences and achievements further fuels engagement. Offering ongoing learning and development opportunities, mentoring programs, and pathways for career progression show a commitment to their growth within the company. Additionally, maintaining a supportive work environment that prioritises work-life balance, mental health resources, and flexibility acknowledges the diverse needs of employees, nurturing a culture where they feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

More resources:

• Why Measuring Employee Engagement Is A Priority
• 5 Tactics to Boost your Employee Engagement in a Hybrid Workplace

4. Measure trust levels in your organisation

When your employees feel that the company includes them in its growth, that's where the magic begins. Allow your employees the opportunity to speak up to find out what they think, where they think the company is going, and what part they have in that growth. Using a variety of tools such as surveys, focus groups, or 1:1 conversations, you can ensure that you are gathering a wide range of perspectives. Once you have collected responses, make sure you communicate effectively; it's a great way to close the loop and make sure your employees feel valued, which in turn builds trust.

In an organisation with high trust, employees are more likely to give constructive and honest feedback. Feedback from the people at the heart of the strategy can help you identify where you can improve trust within your organisation. Building trust with your employees not only gives your company a competitive advantage but also increases employee retention.

More info on surveying your people:

• 6 Ways to Boost Employee Survey Response Rate
• When is the Right Time to Join the Great Place To Work Programme?
• Communicating Employee Engagement Survey Results

5. Ensure measures to promote diversity and inclusion are in place

As we’ve said time and time again, a Great workplace is one that fosters a great culture For All, not just a select few. For All™ is Great Place To Work’s definition of a workplace culture that has evolved beyond “Diversity & Inclusion.” The goal of the For All approach is to create a consistently high-trust workplace experience for everyone, no matter who they are or what they do for the organisation and to reinforce that discrimination of any kind should not be tolerated.

Workplaces today are more diverse and globally connected than ever before. It is the accumulation of day-to-day experiences that help people feel they belong, that their unique talents matter and that their individual needs are cared for by their colleagues and leaders. When employees feel included, valued, and respected for who they are, they tend to be more satisfied and engaged in their work. A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging and creates an environment where all employees can thrive. This, in turn, contributes to higher productivity, lower turnover rates, and a positive organisational culture.

More resources:

• A Great Workplace For All: Diversity and Inclusion Matters
• The Red Cube Episode 15: How to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace with Woodie's

6. Invest in learning and development opportunities for employees

Amidst rapidly evolving industries and technological advancements, investing in your employees' growth is pivotal. Offering learning and development opportunities not only equips them with the skills needed to adapt but also signals a commitment to their professional advancement. Whether through workshops, online courses, mentorship programs, or skill-building sessions, empowering employees to enhance their expertise cultivates a culture of continuous learning. This not only improves job satisfaction and retention but also ensures a workforce that's agile, innovative, and capable of driving the organisation's success in an ever-changing landscape.

Read more:

• 10 Insights on Learning & Development in Remote Working
• 6 Ways to Have a Fair Process of Promotions
• The Power of Mentorship: Insights and Practices from Great Workplaces

7. Incorporate sustainability measures 

Incorporating sustainability into your organisation isn't just a trend; it's a pivotal step towards future-proofing your business and contributing positively to the world. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involves businesses acting responsibly economically, socially, and environmentally. It attracts talent, enhances brand value, and boosts employee engagement, job satisfaction, and skill development. CSR builds a positive brand image, promoting trust and credibility. Initiatives can include volunteer programs, sustainability practices, and employee involvement, contributing to a better world while strengthening a company's resilience, reputation, and success.

More resources:

• Why Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Matters
• 6 Ways Great Workplaces are Creating a More Sustainable World

8. Get a third-party validation for your great culture

Have you invested a lot in creating a great culture and workplace for your people? Why not get an external endorsement for it and gain credibility in the market!

By joining the Great Place to Work Programme and achieving the recognition threshold, you are not only showcasing to the world you are a great employer, but you also get a worldwide known external validation of it. Once you are accredited, you can include your Certification™ logo on your website, careers page, role listing, social media accounts and much more - all excellent ways to increase the credibility of your brand and help you stand out from the rest.

When you can leverage Great Place to Work certification to enhance your Employer Brand, you are demonstrating your commitment to your people. You are stating that you are investing in creating a culture built on trust, camaraderie, fairness, credibility, pride, and respect. Your status as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces™ gives you an advantage over your competitors in the war for talent.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. We help organisations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. We recognise Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in more than 60 countries. To join the thousands of companies that have committed to building high-trust company cultures that help them attract, retain and take care of their people, contact us about getting Certified today.