How gratitude and flexibility are shaping workplace culture in 2024

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover the key trends driving employee engagement and retention in a post-pandemic world.   

In this episode of CoatingsCast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with keynote speaker Lisa Ryan, who recently captivated audiences at the Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) meeting. Known for her engaging discussions on gratitude and workplace culture, Lisa sheds light on the evolving dynamics of employee retention and the critical role of personalized attention in today’s workforce. 

Lisa expressed the importance of acknowledging employees, a simple yet often overlooked strategy that can significantly impact a company’s culture. "Gratitude strategies or 'gradegies,' involve connecting with employees and letting them know, 'Hey, I value you. I appreciate you,'" Lisa explains. She relays the disconnect many workers feel when their positive contributions go unnoticed, citing a poignant encounter: “One person told me, 'When I do something wrong, I get recognized 100% of the time. And when I do something well, it rarely gets acknowledged.' We need to flip those numbers.” 

Lisa explores the idea that relationships are at the heart of effective management. She encourages leaders to move beyond traditional, impersonal managerial styles and engage with employees on a personal level. “It's almost giving people permission to have relationships with their employees, to acknowledge them, to find out what they like personally,” Lisa states. This approach is not just about boosting morale but also about fostering loyalty and a sense of belonging in the workplace. 

Looking ahead, Lisa identifies flexibility as a non-negotiable expectation from employees, particularly as companies navigate a post-pandemic landscape. While remote work might not be feasible for all industries, such as roofing, Lisa suggests that flexibility can take many forms, from split shifts to four-day workweeks. She shares a compelling example of a contractor who decided to schedule all roofing work from Monday to Friday, ensuring weekends off for their crew — a simple change that became a powerful recruiting and retention tool. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about enhancing workplace culture!