2023 ISPA CONFERENCE
ior leadership and their managers . If we put human connection — and a “ people first ” strategy — as part of how we engage our talent from the second they apply to work with us , we can do a better job of attracting top talent and offer something that everyone is looking for right now .
PULSE : Is workplace belonging primarily the responsibility of employees or should it be led by employers ? SP : It ’ s both . While CEOs , senior leadership and HR managers certainly set the tone when it comes to creating a culture of belonging , I believe that belonging is everyone ’ s job , regardless of their title , their seniority or how long they ’ ve worked with us . In the new world of work , especially since the pandemic , every single employee is part of creating a culture of belonging with how they show up , how they treat their colleagues and how they interact with customers and clients . Leaders and managers have to model what it looks like to create a culture of inclusion and psychological safety where people feel safe to take risks and make mistakes , but at the end of the day , every team member is responsible for listening to their colleagues and making others feel seen and heard .
PULSE : How can workers build teamwork when they work on rotations , shifts or hybrid schedules ? SP : Put human connection first . Regardless of where your team is working from , prioritize interactive moments of human connection . Whether that ’ s a five-minute welcome ritual where workers share what ’ s on their mind at the start of a shift , a five-minute gratitude ritual at the end of a shift , Feedback Fridays , a virtual mentorship program or giving teammates an accountability buddy ; make sure human connection is built into every work day and every meeting , regardless of where people are working from .
PULSE : What is the most-quoted line from your TED Talk ? SP : Surround yourself with believers , surround yourself with people who believe in the beauty of your dreams .
PULSE : Which of your books should ISPA Conference attendees read first to get the most out of your talk ? SP : Friendship in the Age of Loneliness . n
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