Employee engagement survey questions, and examples in Cyprus.

Employee Engagement Survey Questions: Types, Examples, and Best Practices in Cyprus

Building a positive workplace culture is vital for business success in Cyprus, and employee engagement is a key ingredient. Engagement reflects how connected and motivated employees feel about their work and your organisation. To truly understand this, businesses need more than guesswork—employee engagement surveys provide the insights that matter.

Well-crafted survey questions provide employees with a safe space to share their thoughts, enabling companies to identify what’s working and where improvements are needed. By following best practices in survey design and feedback analysis, organisations in Cyprus can create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

This guide covers the main types of employee engagement survey questions, provides practical examples tailored to Cyprus-based teams, and highlights best practices to ensure your surveys drive meaningful, positive change.

What are employee engagement survey questions?

Employee engagement survey questions are strategic measurement tools that organizations in Cyprus use to assess how emotionally committed, motivated, and connected their employees feel toward their work, teams, and the company as a whole. 

These questions are designed to gather feedback on key aspects, including job satisfaction, relationships with management, alignment with company culture, and opportunities for professional growth. By using well-crafted survey questions, Cypriot companies can gain a deeper understanding of what drives their employees and identify areas for improvement. These employee engagement surveys not only give employees a voice but also foster a culture of openness and transparency, helping staff feel valued and heard within the organization.

In the Cypriot workplace, where personal relationships and a sense of belonging are highly valued, employee engagement surveys play a crucial role in establishing trust between management and staff. They enable organisations to proactively address concerns, enhance workplace morale, and create an environment where employees are more likely to stay and thrive.

What is the scope of employee engagement survey questions?

The scope of employee engagement survey questions is broad, covering a wide range of factors that influence employee engagement, retention and the overall workplace experience. These questions are designed to uncover what enhances or hinders engagement by exploring areas such as job clarity, workload management, the effectiveness of internal communication, and access to learning and development opportunities.

They also assess how well teams collaborate, the level of trust employees have in their leaders, and perceptions of fairness in company policies. By addressing these diverse topics, the survey provides a complete view of the employee experience.

Analysing the results helps organisations in Cyprus identify underlying issues that impact engagement and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. This data-driven approach enables companies to spot trends or disparities across departments or employee groups that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Why should surveys be used to measure employee engagement?

Surveys should be used to measure employee engagement because they provide organisations with reliable, data-driven insights that go far beyond intuition or informal observations. Surveys are a vital tool for measuring employee engagement because they provide a safe and confidential way for employees to share honest feedback—even on sensitive topics they might hesitate to discuss in person.

This sense of security fosters trust and encourages more genuine, insightful responses. Surveys generate precise, quantifiable data that organisations can analyse to identify trends, track progress, and assess the effectiveness of engagement initiatives over time.

By relying on honest feedback rather than assumptions, companies in Cyprus can make informed, targeted decisions that directly address employee needs and drive meaningful improvements. Regularly seeking input also signals to employees that their opinions matter, which helps strengthen morale, foster a sense of belonging, and create a more positive workplace culture.

This leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced turnover—key factors for organisational success in the Cypriot market.

How do the employee engagement survey questions work?

Employee engagement survey questions work by systematically gathering feedback from employees on various aspects of their work experience, using a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions to capture both measurable data and personal insights. These surveys typically include questions about job satisfaction, team dynamics, management effectiveness, alignment with company values, opportunities for growth, and workplace culture.

Employees respond to these questions—often using rating scales (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 10) for quantitative items and open text fields for qualitative feedback—allowing organisations to measure the strength of engagement, identify trends, and uncover specific issues or areas for improvement. 

The results are then analyzed to spot patterns, compare engagement across departments or teams, and track changes over time. This structured approach enables organisations in Cyprus to make informed, data-driven decisions about where to focus resources, how to improve workplace culture, and which initiatives are most effective in boosting engagement and retention.

What are the types of employee engagement survey questions in Cyprus?

Employee engagement surveys in Cyprus follow global trends. They use different questions to understand how employees feel and their experiences. These questions come in two primary forms. The first is quantitative, such as Likert scales and rating systems.

These allow numerical answers to measure satisfaction or agreement. The second type includes qualitative questions, like open-ended ones. These give more profound insights into employee perspectives.

Each type of question has a specific purpose. This helps in gathering a complete picture of employee engagement levels. Questions about demographics are also important. They help break down the data and show differences in experiences among various employee groups.

1. Likert Scale Questions

Likert scale questions are common in employee engagement surveys. They are easy to use and analyze. These questions show a statement and ask respondents how much they agree or disagree. The scale usually goes from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” This method helps understand employee sentiment in detail, instead of just getting a “yes” or “no” answer.

For example, an engagement survey question could be, “I feel my work is valued at this company.” Employees pick where they stand on the scale, which gives a clearer view of their feelings about senior management. Likert scale questions help organizations measure and compare answers from different groups, departments, or times. They help find patterns and see how well changes are working.

2. Open-Ended Questions

While Likert scale questions can give clear, measurable answers, open-ended questions let employees share their thoughts in more detail. These questions encourage people to talk about their experiences, give specific examples, suggest ways to improve or tell personal stories that standard answers might miss.

For instance, an open-ended remote work survey question could be, “What could the company do to improve your work-life balance?” This allows employees to share what they need and offer their ideas. As a result, organizations get better and deeper feedback. This type of information helps uncover important issues, employee motivations, and perceptions that just numbers cannot show.

3. Rating Scale Questions

Rating scale questions, just like Likert scales, help to measure how employees feel. Instead of checking for agreement, they examine how people perceive their work or how often they experience something. These questions usually ask about a specific part of their work life and have respondents rate it with numbers. For example, one question could be, “On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with the chances for professional growth?”

This gives employees a straightforward way to show if they are happy or unhappy. Their answers provide helpful quantitative data for tracking changes in employee performance. It helps to find where workers feel supported or left out. It also measures how well new ideas change parts of the employee experience. These types of questions are especially great for checking improvement over time and showing if the changes made are working.

4. Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions about employee engagement are common in surveys. They help organizations offer set response choices to learn about employee preferences and ideas regarding the work environment. These questions work well for understanding views on company rules, benefits, ways to communicate, or training programs.

An example of a multiple-choice question is, “Which communication channel do you find most effective?” The answer choices could be email, team meetings, or instant messaging. This easy format makes it simple to analyze the answers. It shows trends in what employees like. It also helps find out how well current practices meet their needs and spot areas that need changes to improve communication and teamwork.

5. Binary Questions

Binary questions are simple “yes” or “no” questions. They work well to get clear and fast answers in an employee engagement survey. These questions help gather basic information about how employees access resources, what they know about company policies, or how they use specific benefits. For example, a compelling binary question might be, “Do you feel you have the necessary tools and resources to do your job well?”

Even though they seem simple, these binary questions give essential insights. They can help find gaps in resource allocation and show where more training or communication might be necessary. These questions also help check how well company initiatives work. Their straightforward nature allows for quick analysis and can highlight key areas that may need more profound questions later.

6. Demographic Questions

Demographic questions, though not directly measuring engagement, are nonetheless crucial for contextualizing survey responses and uncovering potential disparities in employee experiences across various groups within the organization. These questions typically cover attributes like age, gender, department, tenure, location, and role.

Collating this information alongside engagement-related responses allows for a more nuanced analysis, revealing whether specific demographics report consistently lower engagement levels or face unique challenges.

For example, by segmenting data by department, organizations might discover that employees in a particular team report lower levels of support from their managers. This insight can then prompt targeted interventions or policy changes tailored to that group’s specific needs.

7. Ranking Questions

Ranking questions benefit organizations that want to understand what employees value most about their work experience. These questions ask workers to list benefits, company values, or growth opportunities and rank them by importance. By doing this, organizations can learn what matters in engaging their employees.

For example, from most to least important, a ranking question might ask employees to order factors such as work-life balance, compensation, and career advancement opportunities, including personal growth and career opportunities. This information helps organizations see what is most important to their team. It also allows them to adjust their policies, benefits, and programs to meet these needs. This way, they can create a more engaged and happy workforce.

What are some examples of employee engagement survey questions?

Employee engagement surveys in Cyprus, as in leading global workplaces, employ a blend of quantitative and qualitative questions to capture a comprehensive view of how employees perceive their work environment and organisational culture.

Below are practical examples of employee engagement survey questions:

Likert Scale Questions

  1. I am proud to work for this company.
  2. My manager provides clear and constructive feedback.

Open-Ended Questions

  1. What is one thing you would change about your role or work environment?
  2. How can we improve your overall satisfaction at work?

Rating Scale Questions

  1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our company as a great place to work?
  2. How satisfied are you with your opportunities for professional growth? (1 = Not satisfied, 5 = Very satisfied)

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. How often do you receive recognition for your work?
    • Weekly / Monthly / Quarterly / Rarely / Never
  2. Which of the following best describes your relationship with your manager?
    • Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor

Binary Questions

  1. Do you feel your ideas are heard at work? (Yes/No)
  2. Have you received adequate training for your role? (Yes/No)

Demographic Questions

  1. What is your current department?
  2. How long have you been with the company?
    • Less than 1 year / 1–3 years / 4–6 years / 7+ years

Ranking Questions

  1. Please rank the following in order of importance to your job satisfaction: Compensation, Work-Life Balance, Career Growth, Team Culture.
  2. Rank these company values by how well you think they are demonstrated: Trust, Respect, Innovation, and Diversity.

These examples illustrate the main types of employee engagement survey questions and can be adapted to fit the unique needs of Cypriot workplaces or any organization aiming to gather comprehensive employee feedback.

What are the best practices for employee engagement survey questions?

Designing practical employee engagement survey questions is crucial for gathering meaningful feedback and driving positive change in workplaces across Cyprus.

Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Start with Clear Objectives
Define the purpose of your survey before crafting questions. Are you measuring overall engagement, identifying specific areas for improvement, or evaluating recent initiatives? Clear objectives ensure your questions are focused and relevant.

2. Ensure Confidentiality and Trust
Employees must feel safe to share honest feedback. Guarantee confidentiality or anonymity to encourage candid responses, especially in smaller Cypriot organisations where employees may fear repercussions.

3. Use Relevant and Focused Questions
Craft questions that directly relate to your objectives and are easy to understand. Avoid vague, leading, or biased wording that could skew results. Keep the survey concise to maintain engagement.

4. Balance Question Types
Include a mix of quantitative (e.g., rating scales, multiple choice) and qualitative (open-ended) questions. Quantitative questions provide measurable data, while open-ended questions offer more profound insights into employee perspectives.

5. Tailor to Your Audience
Customise questions to reflect your organisation’s industry, size, and workforce demographics. In Cyprus, consider cultural factors and the unique needs of your employee population when designing questions.

6. Pilot the Survey
Test the survey with a small group before rolling it out to the whole audience to identify any confusing questions or technical issues. Adjust based on feedback to ensure clarity and relevance.

7. Make Participation Easy
Use digital tools for easy access and completion. Set aside work time for employees to respond and send reminders through multiple channels to maximise response rates.

8. Review, Share, and Act on Results
Analyse responses for trends and actionable insights. Share key findings transparently with employees and outline specific actions the organisation will take in response to them. Regularly update staff on progress to reinforce trust and accountability.

By following these best practices, Cypriot organisations can gather high-quality feedback, foster a culture of openness, and implement changes that genuinely enhance employee engagement and workplace satisfaction.

Employee Engagement Strategies in Cyprus.

10 Employee Engagement Strategies for Workplaces in Cyprus

Focusing on employee engagement is crucial, particularly in Cyprus, where a robust market demands motivated, productive, and dedicated workers for success.

By using good employee engagement strategies, businesses in Cyprus can help their employees reach their full potential. This can lead to better business results, a more positive company culture, and a competitive advantage.

Companies can create a highly engaged workforce by encouraging open communication, recognizing achievements, supporting work-life balance, and offering growth opportunities.

What is the meaning of Employee Engagement?

Employee engagement is about the strong emotional bond between workers and their work environment. It’s more than just being satisfied with a job. Engagement means actively participating and showing passion for one’s role.

This shows a genuine desire to help the company succeed. Engaged employees often take the initiative, put in extra effort, and are dedicated to reaching team goals. Employee engagement also connects closely with employee satisfaction and the overall work experience.

Engaged workers believe their views and growth are important, boosting morale and productivity. Companies can build successful teams by creating a work environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

What defines employee engagement strategies?

Employee engagement strategies include practical ideas for creating a more involved workforce. These strategies are not the same for everyone. They need to fit the specific needs of each organization and focus on what drives employee engagement.

Good employee engagement strategies focus on key areas like communication, recognition, career development, work-life balance, and performance management. These are all important parts of building an engaging and satisfying workplace.

When organizations understand what drives employee engagement and use strategies to work on these areas, they can build a work environment that fosters high performance within their business units. In this environment, employees feel valued, motivated, and ready to achieve both their personal goals and the goals of the organization.

How can an employee engagement strategy in Cyprus be developed?

Developing a good employee engagement strategy in Cyprus starts by understanding your employees’ engagement. The first step is conducting an effective engagement survey with well-thought-out questions that give you valuable insights into what employees think.

The survey shows what is working well and what needs to be improved. By examining engagement metrics, organizations can spot trends, patterns, and important factors that affect worker engagement.

This information becomes the basis for a specific action plan. This plan will list initiatives and transparent steps to meet your needs. This could mean improving communication, boosting recognition programs, or offering growth opportunities.

At Great Place to Work®, we use the globally recognized Trust Index™ Survey to measure employee engagement. Built on decades of research and validated across cultures and industries, the survey includes 60 core statements that assess the key dimensions of a high-trust workplace—credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.

This scientifically-backed methodology not only ensures accurate and meaningful results, but also helps organizations in Cyprus benchmark their performance against leading companies locally and globally. The insights gained allow you to identify what truly matters to your employees and to craft targeted, data-driven strategies for lasting impact.

What are the core components of employee engagement strategies?

Effective employee engagement strategies depend on some key factors, with clear and open communication being the most important drivers of engagement. It is about creating a space where employees feel safe sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback.

They should know that what they say matters. Strong leadership and good management are equally important. Leaders must support engagement efforts and help create a positive work environment. They also need to motivate employees to do their best.

Another essential part is a strong company culture. It helps build a sense of belonging, shared values, and a common goal. Finally, having good feedback systems is vital. These systems allow for continuous improvement, help address employee issues, and ensure that engagement strategies stay effective and meaningful.

This proven methodology doesn’t just measure engagement—it helps build a great workplace culture. Through years of global research, Great Place to Work® has identified the direct link between employee trust and business performance: we call this the Great Place to Work Effect™. Organizations that consistently score high on trust outperform their peers in areas such as innovation, customer satisfaction, and talent retention.

In Cyprus, companies that apply our approach are not only seen as employers of choice but also gain a competitive edge in attracting and keeping top talent. By building a culture where people trust their leaders, feel pride in their work, and enjoy their colleagues, you create a resilient organization equipped for sustainable growth.

1. Communication

Open communication is the foundation of a highly engaged workforce. It goes beyond sharing information. It creates a culture where transparency, two-way dialogue, and active listening are important. When employees feel heard and understood, they trust the organization more. This trust boosts their commitment to the organization’s success.

Getting regular updates about company performance, new projects, and industry trends keeps employees informed. This helps them feel involved in the organization’s direction. It also shows that the company is open, which builds trust even more.

Think about using different communication methods. You could hold town hall meetings, team huddles, online platforms, or suggestion boxes. Pulse surveys are a quick and effective way to understand how employees feel about certain issues. This helps ensure that any concerns are addressed before they grow larger.

Through our Accelerate product at Great Place to Work®, organizations can easily carry out pulse surveys—either fully customized or using pre-designed statements from our extensive library, including items from our Trust Index™ Survey. Many companies choose to begin with the full Trust Index™ Survey to get a comprehensive view of their culture and then follow up with targeted pulse surveys.

These are often focused on areas with lower scores or specific departments or teams where engagement needs improvement. This flexible and data-driven approach allows organizations in Cyprus to maintain continuous listening, track progress over time, and stay agile in addressing employee needs with precision.

2. Leadership and Management

Strong leadership is key to building a culture of engagement. Senior leaders need to show they care about engagement. They should talk about how important it is and actively join in relevant programs.

Investing resources in leadership development gives managers the skills they need. This helps them lead better, give helpful feedback, and create a positive work environment for their teams.

Performance reviews shouldn’t be dreaded yearly events. Instead, they should become regular talks that focus on employee growth. By giving timely feedback, recognizing achievements, and offering help, managers can empower their teams to reach their full potential.

To support this transformation, many companies in Cyprus choose to collaborate with training providers to develop custom leadership programs for their people. Our partner, interFRONTIERS, is one of the oldest and most respected training companies on the island. Each program is designed specifically around the needs and goals of the client, using a highly interactive, hands-on approach that simulates real working conditions.

This practical, experiential style of learning makes development both effective and enjoyable—steering clear of traditional classroom formats in favor of dynamic activities that encourage deeper engagement and lasting behavior change.

3. Company Culture and Values

A company’s culture can greatly affect how engaged its employees are. A positive and supportive workplace culture helps employees feel valued, respected, and empowered, which in turn helps engagement grow.

To build a strong culture of engagement, focus on a few important areas:

  • Clearly define and communicate company values. Make sure these values resonate with employees and are reflected in everyday tasks.
  • Promote teamwork and collaboration: Encourage employees to help each other, share knowledge, and work together towards shared goals.
  • Recognize and celebrate achievements: Notice both individual and team successes to encourage positive input.

4. Feedback Mechanisms

Getting and using employee feedback is key to creating a fun and satisfying work environment.

Setting up suitable feedback methods helps in making ongoing improvements. Regularly ask for feedback using different ways, such as:

  • Employee surveys: Gain valuable insights into how your employees truly feel through trusted tools like our Trust Index™ Survey, designed to capture the key drivers of engagement and workplace culture.
  • One-on-one meetings: Create a space for open discussions.
  • Focus groups: Hold deep talks on specific topics.

Taking action based on feedback shows that you care about what employees say. This leads to more ownership, better engagement, and a happier workplace culture. Keep in mind that feedback is a gift. Accept it, learn from it, and use it to make positive changes in the company.

10 Employee Engagement Strategies for Workplaces in Cyprus

Now that we have discussed the main components of good employee engagement strategies let’s focus on ten specific strategies. These can be used in Cyprus workplaces to improve employee engagement and create a more motivated and productive team.

By using these strategies, companies in Cyprus can create a work environment that attracts and retains top talent. This will help increase productivity and lead to better business success. Having an engaged workforce is very important for success in today’s fast-changing business world.

1. Transparent Communication

Open and transparent communication is the key to strong engagement strategies. Share company updates, financial results, and industry trends with your employees. They feel valued and more involved when they see how their hard work contributes to the company’s success.

Encourage a two-way conversation. Let employees share their thoughts, ideas, and worries without fear. Ensure there are regular chances to set clear expectations for them to ask questions and talk openly with their managers and senior leaders.

Keep in mind that communication goes both ways. Listening well is just as important as sharing information. By promoting a culture of open communication, organizations in Cyprus can build a trusting and collaborative work environment where everyone feels highly engaged.

2. Recognition and Reward Systems

Everyone likes to be recognized for their hard work and what they do. It’s important to set up strong reward systems to show employees you see their efforts and successes. This goes beyond just giving money. While bonuses and pay raises matter, genuine appreciation can often come from simple acts that show you notice their commitment.

You should highlight achievements, celebrate important events, and create personal rewards to show that you care about what each person contributes. Think about programs where coworkers can recognize each other. This helps build a supportive and caring workplace culture.

Find out what types of employee recognition mean the most to your employees. Some prefer public praise, while others like a nice note of thanks. By adjusting how you recognize people, you can better motivate and engage everyone in your team.

3. Professional Development and Training

Investing in your employees’ growth shows you care about their long-term success. You can do this by providing different chances for development. This can include workshops, online courses, certifications, and mentorship programs. These options help employees boost their skills and knowledge.

Provide clear career paths and regular performance reviews to support their career development and offer chances for them to advance within the company. Employees who see a future for themselves are more likely to feel engaged and committed to their work.

Make development opportunities fit each employee’s needs and career goals. Look into any skills gap to find areas where training can improve job satisfaction and performance. By focusing on employee development, organizations give their workers valuable skills and create a culture of growth and learning.

4. Work-Life Balance Initiatives

Having a good work-life balance is very important for employee well-being and engagement. To support this, companies can offer flexible work options, including remote work, flexible hours, and compressed work weeks. These changes help employees better manage their work and personal lives.

Companies should also provide generous leave policies. This can include paid time off, parental leave, and sick leave. By doing this, they show they care about employee well-being. This allows employees to take breaks for themselves and their families without stress about work.

Companies that promote work-life balance can boost employee morale and lower stress levels. It also helps with employee retention. Employees who feel supported in managing their personal and work lives are likelier to stay engaged, loyal and committed to the company’s success.

5. Employee Wellness Programs

Employee well-being is connected to engagement. When workers feel healthy, both physically and mentally, it improves their overall well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity.

To support this, provide wellness programs focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health. You can offer gym memberships, healthy snacks at work, ergonomic assessments, stress management workshops, and access to mental health resources.

Creating a supportive work environment that focuses on well-being helps reduce absenteeism, increase morale, and avoid employee burnout. A healthy workforce leads to a more engaged and productive team.

6. Engagement Survey and Feedback Loops

To understand what drives employee engagement, you should ask for employee feedback using employee engagement software and surveys. A good employee engagement survey examines many aspects of the employee experience, including job satisfaction, company culture, leadership, and growth opportunities. Just gathering feedback is not enough; companies must use it.

Find effective ways to get feedback so that employee opinions matter, improving employee engagement. Share the survey results openly. Show key findings and explain the steps you will take to improve. Set up working groups with employees from different areas to examine feedback, brainstorm solutions, and suggest ideas.

When organizations listen to employees’ opinions, take tangible steps to fix issues and follow suggestions, they show they care. This helps create a more engaged and fulfilling work environment.

7. Team Building Activities

Strong teams are crucial for any successful organization. Therefore, it’s wise to invest in team-building activities that promote teamwork, communication, and trust among team members. These activities can include solving problems together, going to escape rooms, volunteering, or having social events outside of work.

Team-building activities are a fun way for employees to connect personally. They help break down barriers between departments and build stronger working relationships. When communication and teamwork improve, teams often perform better and solve problems more efficiently.

Companies can create a more supportive work environment by giving employees a chance to bond, share experiences, and work together on common goals. This leads to greater engagement among their teams.

8. Inclusive Culture and Diversity Programs

Creating a workplace that values and celebrates diversity is important, not just a social duty; it is essential for business. DE&I plays a vital role in having different thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences, which improves the work environment. This leads to better decisions, more innovation, and an engaging and satisfying workplace for everyone.

To support this, companies should set up programs to recruit, keep, and promote people from various backgrounds. Offering training on diversity and inclusion to all employees is key. This helps build a culture of understanding, respect, and appreciation for differences.

By welcoming diversity and inclusion, businesses in Cyprus can attract talented individuals from a larger crowd. This can boost their brand reputation and create a more innovative and engaged workforce, resulting in positive outcomes for the company and its employees.

9. Purpose and Impact

Employees are more likely to feel engaged when they believe their work has a purpose. They want to know they are making a difference in something larger than themselves. It’s important to clearly share the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This helps employees see how their roles contribute to the company’s success.

Offer chances for employees to connect their work to the larger goals. You can share customer success stories, show how the products or services help others, or participate in community service.

When organizations create a sense of purpose and show how employees’ work matters, morale can greatly improve. This will lead to better employee engagement and help everyone reach their full potential.

10. Leadership Development

Investing in leadership development is a smart way to keep your team engaged for the long term. It helps managers and senior leaders learn skills to lead well. They will also know how to give helpful feedback and make a supportive work environment.

You should offer leadership training focused on communication, coaching, delegation, conflict management, and performance management. This would also give rising leaders chances to learn through mentorship, job shadowing, or running special projects.

By building a strong group of good leaders, companies can create a work environment where employees feel valued and supported. This helps them grow in their career paths and ultimately leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

What constitutes a successful employee engagement strategy?

A successful employee engagement strategy is always changing. It needs to meet the needs of both the company and its workers. It is more than just taking a few actions; it requires regular checking, feedback, and improvements in employee engagement efforts.

When organizations use employee engagement best practices, they can create an environment where employees feel appreciated, excited, and dedicated to helping the company succeed.

The benefits of employee engagement are clear. Higher productivity, better customer service, lower turnover, and a more positive workplace culture are just a few of the benefits of a highly engaged workforce.

When companies in Cyprus invest in their employees’ well-being and build a culture that encourages engagement, they can enjoy the benefits of a strong and committed workforce.

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Workplace diversity values people from various backgrounds.

Diversity in the Workplace: Definition, DEI, Types, and Surveys in Cyprus

A diverse workplace welcomes and values each staff member from many backgrounds. This includes people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, religions, and abilities. To build an inclusive workplace, it is important to encourage cultural diversity. Each person brings their own unique views and experiences.

Creating a diverse workplace takes ongoing effort from everyone in the organization. It’s not just about hiring a diverse workforce; the first step is ensuring all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. This means providing equal chances for promotion, fixing pay gaps, and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.

What is diversity in the workplace?

A diverse workforce goes beyond just showing different races and ethnic diversity. It includes many kinds of differences and values that each person brings. This means recognising the importance of diversity in areas like gender, economic status, and cultural background. It is essential that everyone feels noticed, listened to, and respected for who they are.

What is the purpose of diversity in the workplace?

The goal of diversity in the workplace is more than just meeting requirements or looking good. It is about creating an inclusive environment. In this space, everyone can share their unique skills and experiences, leading to new approaches, greater creativity, and more innovative solutions. Diverse teams tend to question norms, spot issues, and find fresh ways to solve problems. 

This variety of ideas is key for any group that wants to be successful and competitive today. When people feel appreciated for who they are and can be themselves at work, they tend to be more engaged and hardworking. They also care more about the organization’s success. Ultimately, a diverse and inclusive workplace helps everyone and contributes to a fairer and more just world.

Why is diversity important in the Workplace in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, promoting diversity in the workplace is not just about being socially responsible. It is also a smart business move. As the island connects with the global markets, having a diverse workforce is key. It helps companies understand and meet the needs of a wider group of customers.

Research shows that companies with varied leadership and employee backgrounds perform better. They often earn more money and enjoy higher profits than those with less diversity. Moreover, diversity and inclusion in the workplace can boost employee morale. 

Workers are more engaged when they feel appreciated for their unique skills and respected for their differences. This sense of belonging creates a happier and more productive work environment.

What are the benefits of having diversity in your workplace?

There are many important benefits to workplace diversity. Diversity affects an organization’s culture, performance, and reputation. It also helps attract different kinds of talent. 

Here are some main benefits of having an inclusive work environment:

  • Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: When people share their unique ideas, it leads to better solutions and more creative thinking.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Different viewpoints can challenge our thinking and help reduce bias when making decisions.
  • Increased Employee Engagement and Retention: Employees who feel valued for who they are likelier to feel like they belong and stay with the company.
  • Positive Reputation and Employer Brand: A strong focus on diversity helps a company stand out to job seekers and customers.

By valuing diversity’s advantages, organisations can build a more energetic, innovative, and prosperous future for everyone.

What is the impact of diversity in the workplace?

The effect of diversity at work is closely linked to an organization’s long-term success. It helps to create an inclusive and fair environment. When different groups from various backgrounds and experiences come together, they bring new ideas. This challenges old ways of thinking and leads to more effective solutions.

Also, accepting diversity directly affects employee engagement and how people feel they belong. When people feel valued and respected for what they bring, they tend to be more productive and dedicated to their work. They also feel more connected to the organization’s goals.

What is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the work environment means creating a place where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences. This idea seeks to build a culture where everyone belongs and can have the same opportunities.

What is a workplace diversity, equity and inclusion survey?

A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) survey is important for understanding employees’ feelings about their workplace culture. These surveys ask questions about many parts of their work life, including hiring and promotion, resources available, and how employees are treated. By collecting this information, companies can see where they are doing well in creating an inclusive culture and areas needing improvement.

The surveys give insights into real employee experiences, which can show where there might be hidden issues and barriers in the company culture. Organisations can use DEI survey results to make better choices. This helps them improve their DEI efforts, apply best practices, and build a more welcoming and fairer workplace for all.

How does a workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion survey work?

Workplace DEI surveys use different types of questions. These can be multiple-choice, scaled responses, or open-ended questions. This helps collect both numbers and detailed opinions. The surveys look at various topics. These include experiences with the hiring process, feelings of inclusion, fairness in opportunities, and experiences with bias. The collected data is then studied for trends and concerns. 

This information is beneficial. It can help shape company policies, improve diversity training programs, and enhance recruitment strategies to attract a larger talent pool. By understanding how their employees feel, diverse companies can create better DEI initiatives. This leads to a fairer and more welcoming workplace for everyone and encourages a more innovative and cooperative space where employees feel free to do their best work.

What is cultural diversity in Cyprus workplaces?

Cultural diversity in Cyprus workplaces means having and appreciating different cultures among employees. This includes local Cypriots and those who have moved to the island from places like the United States and other European countries. It also involves acknowledging each person’s unique customs, traditions, languages and views.

To promote cultural competence in Cyprus workplaces, creating a respectful and understanding space for these different cultures is important. This can be done by providing language training, celebrating important cultural holidays, and offering resources to help staff handle cultural differences. By taking these steps, Cyprus workplaces can build a more inclusive and vibrant environment where everyone feels appreciated and respected.

How is diversity in the workplace categorised in Cyprus?

Diversity in workplaces in Cyprus is vibrant, just like its history and culture. It includes various ethnicities and nationalities, along with differences in gender and age. The work environment shows a mix of experiences. Recognising racial diversity, disability diversity, and sexual orientation diversity is also essential to building a truly inclusive workplace.

The laws in Cyprus show a better understanding of these needs. However, it is still important to focus on applying these laws and creating a culture of respect and understanding. Many companies in Cyprus are now adopting DEI initiatives. They want to create workplaces where everyone feels accepted and valued.

1. Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

Cultural diversity in the workplace is more than just noticing people from different backgrounds. It’s about making a place where everyone feels valued and respected. This means understanding and appreciating various cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. It can make the workplace lively with new ideas and different ways of thinking. One way to support cultural diversity is to celebrate religious holidays from various cultures.

It is also important to create a welcoming space where people can show their cultural identity. This could be through their clothing, language, or customs, as long as it respects everyone else’s well-being. Organisations can create a better and more welcoming atmosphere when they are sensitive to cultural differences. This results in improved communication, greater understanding among coworkers, and a more respectful and lively workplace culture.

2. Gender diversity in the workplace

Gender diversity is crucial for a successful workplace. It means ensuring everyone, regardless of gender, has the same chances. This includes fair hiring, equal pay for equal work, and access to growth opportunities. One important part of gender diversity is having more women in all types of roles within a company, especially in leadership positions.

When more women lead, it not only supports equality but also brings fresh perspectives and different ideas for decision-making. It is also important to tackle unconscious bias in performance reviews and promotions. We need to remove barriers that prevent people from succeeding. Creating a workplace where everyone can achieve their best, regardless of gender, is vital for being inclusive and prosperous.

3. Age Diversity in the Workplace

Age diversity in the workplace is essential. It shows how valuable people of all ages are. Baby boomers bring much experience, while younger employees offer fresh ideas and are good with technology. Each group has its skills and viewpoints. 

Companies can significantly benefit from teamwork between different age groups. Companies can gain helpful insights and new ideas by creating chances for older and younger workers to mentor each other and share knowledge. 

This also helps reduce generational gaps and leads to a friendlier work environment. Furthermore, companies should have training programs designed for various age groups. This way, everyone can keep learning, improving, and staying up-to-date in today’s fast-changing work environment.

4. Racial Diversity in the Workplace

Racial diversity in the workplace means accepting and appreciating the unique skills of people from different races and ethnic groups. It is not just about noticing skin colour; it also celebrates the wide range of experiences, viewpoints, and backgrounds that everyone offers.

To build a genuinely inclusive workplace, organisations must fight against racism and discrimination in every form. They should set strict anti-discrimination rules, provide training on diversity and inclusion to all workers, and create an environment that values respect and understanding.

Additionally, companies should focus on outreach and recruitment efforts to mirror the racial diversity of their communities in their teams. It is key for the hiring process to be fair and equal for all candidates.

5. Disability Diversity in the Workplace

Disability diversity means that people with disabilities are important to the workforce. It focuses on building an inclusive workplace where people with disabilities should feel supported, respected, and valued for what they can do. It also involves making adjustments so they can fully participate in their jobs.

Companies should work on making workspaces accessible for everyone. This does not only mean installing ramps and accessible restrooms. It also includes providing tools that help, changing workspaces, and allowing flexible schedules to fit individual needs.

It’s also very important to change any stereotypes about disabilities. We need to teach employees about how to treat others with disabilities well. Encouraging open communication and celebrating the achievements of workers with disabilities are key steps to creating a truly inclusive workplace.

6. Sexual Orientation Diversity in the Workplace

Sexual orientation diversity means that a person’s sexual orientation is a key part of who they are. This should be respected in the workplace. Everyone should have the same rights and chances, no matter who they love or are attracted to.

Creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ people is not just about following laws. It’s a matter of human rights. We need a culture where workers can feel safe being open about their sexual orientation. They should not fear discrimination or judgment.

Organisations must have strong rules to protect LGBTQ+ workers from harassment. They should also provide diversity and inclusion training focusing on LGBTQ+ issues. Building a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees matters. This is the way to create a fair and equal workplace for everyone.

How can you improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and a true commitment to change. One important step is to create employee resource groups (ERGs). These are voluntary groups led by employees that reflect different aspects of diversity. They provide support, networking, and advocacy for employees.

Besides ERGs, companies should focus on diversity training. This training can help people understand unconscious bias, microaggressions, and inclusive leadership. It is also important to have representation at every level of the organisation, especially in leadership roles. This helps create a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusion efforts should be part of the organisation’s core values and practices.

How can cultural diversity in the workplace be managed?

Managing cultural diversity well takes effort. Recognising differences is not enough. We must build an inclusive workplace where every person feels respected and valued. Cultural competence training can help employees from diverse backgrounds understand each other better. It can also promote kindness and good communication.

It is also important to create a space where people can openly share their views, experiences, and cultural traditions. This builds trust and understanding within the team. Organisations can host cultural events, workshops, and lunch-and-learn sessions. These are great ways to celebrate diversity and connect different cultures.

It is also important to encourage critical thinking and challenge any hidden biases in our decision-making. By fostering a culture of empathy and respect, organisations can maximise the potential of a diverse workforce and help create a positive and productive work environment.

What is diversity training in the workplace?

Diversity training in the workplace includes different educational programs. These programs help raise awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal is to provide employees with the necessary knowledge and skills through a comprehensive approach. 

This will help them interact well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and educational backgrounds. The training features interactive workshops, discussions, and real-life situations. 

It also focuses on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural sensitivity. The aim is to create an inclusive and respectful work environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.

What are some common examples of diversity in the workplace?

Common examples of diversity in the workplace extend far beyond race or gender. True diversity encompasses the multifaceted nature of human experience and individuality. It includes celebrating a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.

Here are a few examples illustrating how different perspectives can enrich the tapestry of the workplace:

CategoryExamples
AgeHaving employees from different generations, such as Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
CulturalRepresentation from different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and languages.
DisabilityIndividuals with visible and invisible disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive differences.
Gender IdentityEmployees who identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, and other gender identities.

Organisations can unlock the true power of diversity by embracing people from different backgrounds, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering a workplace culture of respect and understanding.

What action should you take next?

Building a diverse and inclusive workplace takes more than good intentions—it requires real action. Start by evaluating your company culture and identifying ways to make everyone feel valued and included.

Make diversity a priority in your hiring process by giving all qualified candidates an equal chance, no matter their background. But inclusion doesn’t stop at recruitment. Foster open communication, encourage different perspectives, and create an environment where everyone feels heard and respected.

Leaders set the tone, so lead by example. Commit to diversity and inclusion through your decisions and daily actions. A workplace that embraces diversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a powerful advantage in today’s global world.

Now is the time to act. Start creating a workplace where everyone belongs!

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What is Employee Engagement? Definition, Benefits, and Surveys in Cyprus

Employee engagement is significant for thriving businesses in Cyprus and everywhere. It means creating a work environment where employees feel appreciated, motivated, and genuinely invested in their jobs and the company’s success. When employees are engaged, they put in extra effort.

This leads to positive business outcomes such as more productivity, better customer satisfaction, and higher employee retention. An engagement survey is a great way to measure employee engagement trends. This survey helps organisations understand how employees feel. It shows what they do well and what needs to improve. By listening to employee feedback and making changes, businesses in Cyprus can create a happier and more effective work environment.

What is the meaning of employee engagement?

Employee engagement is a crucial aspect of organisational success. It represents the emotional connection employees have with their workplace and its objectives. It transcends mere job satisfaction, reflecting a genuine concern for work quality and a better understanding of the desire to contribute to the company’s prosperity.

Highly engaged employees exhibit proactive behaviours, going above and beyond their job descriptions. They demonstrate a passion for their roles and willingly take ownership of their responsibilities. This level of commitment significantly influences company culture and plays a pivotal role in driving overall success.

As noted in the Harvard Business Review, organisations prioritising employee engagement often reap the benefits of increased productivity, improved retention rates, and enhanced morale among staff members. Engaged employees are more likely to collaborate effectively, innovate, and advocate for the organisation internally and externally. Consequently, fostering a culture of engagement should be a top priority for businesses seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic market landscape.

How does employee engagement work in the workplace?

Employee engagement is a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive company culture. A workplace that is characterised by strong values, transparent communication, and opportunities for personal and professional development tends to experience higher levels of employee engagement.

When employees feel appreciated, respected, and listened to, they are more inclined to remain engaged with their work. A corporate environment that prioritises employee welfare recognises accomplishments and provides avenues for career advancement can significantly impact staff members’ engagement levels.

Ultimately, a robust workplace culture is one in which employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose. This sense of belonging can be a powerful motivator, inspiring employees to strive for excellence in their roles and contribute effectively to the organisation’s success.

What is the purpose of employee engagement?

Employee engagement is crucial beyond job satisfaction; it ensures a company’s success. Various employee engagement statistics support the idea that engaged employees are happier, more productive, innovative, and dedicated to achieving shared objectives.

One significant benefit of fostering employee engagement is its positive impact on retention rates. Employees who feel valued and connected to their roles are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This translates into enhanced employee loyalty, contributing to the stability and expertise of the workforce in the long run.

Engaged employees derive greater job satisfaction from their roles, leading to increased creativity and a willingness to exceed expectations, positively impacting the company’s employer brand. The enthusiasm and passion engaged employees bring to their work environment can create a more dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, ultimately driving business success.

How can employee engagement be improved in Cyprus?

Improving employee engagement in Cyprus requires a thoughtful and customised approach. Collaboration between human resources teams and leaders is essential to developing effective engagement strategies tailored to Cyprus’s employees’ unique needs and objectives.

Regular feedback mechanisms should be established to monitor progress and address any issues promptly. Recognising and rewarding achievements is crucial in fostering a positive work environment and motivating employees to excel. Open communication channels help build trust and transparency within the organisation, encouraging active participation from all team members.

Implementing performance management systems emphasising growth and development can empower employees to reach their full potential, enhancing their overall engagement. By investing in initiatives prioritising employee well-being and professional advancement, organisations in Cyprus can cultivate a culture of high performance and job satisfaction among their workforce.

Is there an employee engagement app that helps workplaces in Cyprus?

In today’s digital world, an employee engagement platform, along with employee engagement software and apps, are great tools for businesses in Cyprus that want to boost employee engagement. These platforms act as a central point for communication, feedback, and recognition, making engagement efforts smoother.

Employee engagement apps can help:

  • Gather Real-Time Feedback: Pulse surveys and quick feedback tools let companies frequently check employee feelings, including using employee engagement survey questions.
  • Recognise and Reward Achievements: Digital platforms help to publicly or privately appreciate employees’ efforts efficiently.
  • Facilitate Communication and Collaboration: Special channels in the app can build better team connections.

Using these apps can change the work environment in Cyprus. They help organisations listen, connect, and engage their employees.

How is an employee engagement model defined?

An employee engagement model is a helpful way to understand and improve what makes employees engaged in a company. Based on the company’s situation, this model points out the main things that contribute to the company’s engagement. 

These can include opportunities for growth, recognition, and strong leadership. When companies spot these key drivers of engagement, they can customise their engagement efforts. This helps them meet the specific needs and desires of their workers. A transparent engagement model acts like a guide for building a better work environment, which can lead to better business outcomes.

Who is responsible for driving employee engagement?

Human resources and HR professionals are essential for creating and implementing engagement strategies. However, keeping employees engaged belongs to the whole organisation and requires teamwork from leaders, managers, and individual workers.

Leaders create a positive environment that appreciates what employees do and cares for their well-being. Managers help turn those values into tangible actions by giving support, feedback, and chances to grow. In the end, everyone helps shape how engaged people feel at work.

What are the types of employee engagement in the workplace?

Workforce engagement is a multifaceted concept that manifests in various forms within organisations. By recognising and understanding these different types of engagement, businesses can develop more effective strategies to foster a positive and productive work environment. 

Here are some key types of engagement:

  • Cognitive Engagement: This type involves employees who actively think about their roles and responsibilities. They find their work intellectually stimulating and enjoy the challenges it presents. These individuals are likely to be highly motivated and invested in their tasks, often seeking opportunities for growth and development.
  • Emotional Engagement: Emotional engagement centres around employees’ personal connection towards their work, colleagues, and the organisation. Emotionally engaged employees are passionate about their jobs, exhibit a strong sense of loyalty, and genuinely care about contributing to the company’s success. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can enhance employee emotional engagement.
  • Behavioural Engagement: Behavioural engagement pertains to employees’ actions and behaviours in the workplace. Engaged employees use discretionary effort and go above and beyond their basic job requirements, demonstrating initiative, enthusiasm, and dedication to achieving organisational goals. They take ownership of their work, show commitment to excellence, and actively seek ways to add value to their roles.

Recognising and nurturing these different levels of employee engagement is essential for creating a workplace culture that supports staff members’ diverse needs and motivations. By tailoring initiatives that cater to cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of engagement, organisations can cultivate a more inclusive, supportive, and fulfilling work environment for all employees.

What are the elements of employee engagement in the workplace?

Some key factors engage people at work and help create a positive experience for everyone. These factors include chances for growth, meaningful and challenging work, a sense of belonging, and recognition for what people do. One crucial factor is employee recognition. 

When workers feel valued and appreciated, it boosts their self-worth. This makes them want to perform even better. Also, effective communication that starts with the right questions is essential. Open and honest communication builds trust. It helps workers feel informed and included when decisions are being made.

How do you keep employees engaged in the workplace?

Maintaining high employee engagement takes time and effort. It’s not just about doing one engagement project and expecting it to last. Companies must create a culture where listening to employees is a big part of operating.

Ask for employee feedback regularly through surveys, meetings, and suggestion boxes. Make sure to act on their feedback. This shows that you value what employees have to say. Creating a culture of continuous improvement tells employees that their ideas are essential. This helps them feel more engaged and take ownership of their work.

Why is employee engagement important in the workplace?

Employee and work engagement are critical to fostering a thriving and productive workplace environment. They transcend being merely a buzzword, significantly impacting an organisation’s health and success. When employees are emotionally invested in their work and feel a strong sense of connection to the company, they are more inclined to contribute meaningfully to its success.

Enhanced employee engagement correlates with increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and a more positive and vibrant company culture, helping to retain top talent. By prioritising employee engagement efforts, organisations can create a work environment where individuals are motivated, satisfied, and committed to achieving common goals. This not only benefits the employees themselves but also fuels the long-term growth and prosperity of the organisation as a whole.

Investing in initiatives that boost employee engagement, such as providing opportunities for professional development, fostering open communication channels, recognising and rewarding achievements, and promoting work-life balance, can yield significant returns regarding employee satisfaction and organisational performance. An effective employee engagement program ultimately creates a workplace culture that values and prioritises employee engagement, setting the stage for sustained success and continued growth.

What are the benefits of employee engagement?

The benefits of employee engagement extend far beyond a happier workforce. Organisations with highly engaged employees often experience better business outcomes, including increased profitability, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced innovation.

When employees are invested in their work, they are more likely to go the extra mile, contributing to a more positive and productive work environment. This, in turn, can lead to improved financial performance and stronger competition.

BenefitImpact
Increased ProductivityHigher output and efficiency
Reduced TurnoverLower recruitment and training costs
Improved Customer ServiceMore satisfied and loyal customers
Enhanced InnovationA more creative and solutions-oriented team

What are the disadvantages of employee engagement?

While high employee engagement has many benefits, we must also recognise the problems with low engagement. When employee morale is low, and people feel disconnected from their tasks and the company, it can create several issues.

Low engagement usually means less productivity, lower work quality, and absenteeism. These problems can spread throughout the company, affecting teamwork, customer bonds, and overall happiness.

Moreover, one major problem with low engagement is high employee turnover. Workers often look for other opportunities When they feel unappreciated or unhappy in their jobs. This leads to interruptions in the workflow and increases the costs of hiring new staff.

How can you raise employee engagement in the workplace in Cyprus?

Cultivating a highly engaged workforce in Cyprus requires a comprehensive approach that prioritises creating a positive and supportive work environment tailored to the Cypriot workforce’s specific needs. Central to this approach is establishing effective communication engagement strategies that resonate with employees.

Clear communication is pivotal in fostering engagement, as it helps build a culture where employees feel listened to and appreciated. The key drivers of engagement include regular feedback mechanisms and recognition for their contributions, which are essential in nurturing employees’ sense of belonging and motivation.

Furthermore, offering opportunities for professional development is critical in ensuring employee satisfaction and retention. By investing in skill enhancement programs and career growth pathways, organisations can empower their workforce to upskill, enhance their competencies, and advance within the company. This benefits individual employees and contributes to the organisation’s overall success and sustainability in Cyprus’s competitive business landscape.

What methods are used for measuring employee engagement?

Companies can use various other techniques to gauge employee engagement effectively, in addition to traditional methods like surveys. One-on-one meetings with employees provide a personalised touch, allowing for more in-depth discussions about their experiences and concerns. 

Focus groups can be beneficial as they encourage collaboration and feedback among a small group of employees, offering valuable insights into the organisation’s overall sentiment. Analysing human resources data such as employee turnover rates and absenteeism can also serve as key indicators of employee engagement. 

High turnover or increased absenteeism may suggest underlying issues that must be addressed promptly. Moreover, tracking productivity and job satisfaction metrics can further enhance understanding and highlight areas for improvement.

Regular check-ins and feedback mechanisms foster open communication and transparency, creating a conducive environment for employees to voice their opinions and contribute to organisational growth. By consistently monitoring employee engagement through various channels, companies can identify strengths to celebrate and weaknesses to address, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive work environment.

What is an employee engagement survey?

Employee engagement surveys are valuable tools that provide insights into employee engagement, continuous improvement levels, and employees’ level of involvement and commitment towards their organisation. These surveys allow organisations to measure employee engagement by enabling employees to express their genuine opinions on various aspects of their work environment, including job satisfaction, company culture, and overall happiness.

The data collected from these surveys enables companies to identify trends, pinpoint areas that require improvement, and develop strategies to address any issues raised by employees. Organisations can cultivate a more engaged and productive workforce by actively listening to employee feedback and taking appropriate actions.

Employee engagement surveys not only help gauge the current sentiment within the workforce but also serve as a proactive measure to prevent potential issues that may lead to disengagement or turnover, ultimately enhancing performance management and engagement efforts. They provide a platform for open communication between employees and management, fostering a culture of transparency and trust within the organisation.

Implementing employee engagement initiatives based on survey results demonstrates a commitment to prioritising employee well-being and job satisfaction. This can also enhance customer satisfaction and lead to better business outcomes. In turn, this can lead to increased employee retention rates, improved performance levels, and a more positive work environment overall.

What are employee engagement survey questions designed to assess?

Employee engagement survey questions are designed to determine what helps or hurts employee engagement. These questions look for the drivers of employee engagement, which are the key parts of the work environment and company culture that affect how employees feel about their jobs.

The questions usually cover how much purpose employees feel in their work, their relationships with coworkers and managers, their chances for growth and development, and how happy they are with the organisation. Organisations can learn what factors matter most to their employees by examining the answers to these questions.

Knowing what is most important helps organisations create better engagement initiatives. For example, suppose the survey shows employees don’t see enough growth opportunities. In that case, the organisation can work on providing clear career paths and offering helpful training programs.

What are common employee engagement survey questions?

Choosing the right questions for an employee engagement survey, including effective employee surveys, can make a big difference in the quality of the feedback you get. The questions you pick can help you gather important information or lead to unclear answers. Every organisation is different, but some common questions work well to measure how engaged employees feel, such as those that reflect current employee engagement trends.

Here are some common questions you can ask:

  • On a scale of 1 to 5, how engaged do you feel at work?
  • Do you feel proud to work for this organisation?
  • Do you feel valued and appreciated for your contributions?
  • Do you have the resources and support you need to succeed in your role?
  • Would you recommend this organisation as a great place to work?

These questions can be a good starting point. However, you may need to adjust them to fit your industry, company size, and goals. Also, including open-ended questions can help employees share their thoughts and feelings in more detail.

What are the key employee engagement strategies?

Implementing good employee engagement program strategies is the best way to create a modern workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. Key strategies include promoting open communication, giving regular feedback and recognition, and providing plenty of development opportunities.

Investing in employee growth through training programs, mentoring, and clear career paths shows a commitment to their long-term success. By going the extra mile and celebrating achievements, big and small, through employee recognition, companies can build a positive cycle that encourages good behaviour and strengthens employee engagement. Following these best practices helps organisations attract and keep top talent.

What is employee empowerment?

Employee empowerment is key to strong engagement and organisational success. It helps create a place where people feel trusted, respected, and able to show discretionary effort in making decisions at work. This means building a culture that values employees’ thoughts and lets them take charge of their tasks.

When employees feel empowered, they are more engaged. They build an emotional connection to their work and see how it helps the organisation succeed, contributing to business success and a strong employer brand. By giving employees, the freedom to make choices, businesses also encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility, turning them into brand advocates. This makes them want to put in extra effort.

What are the employee engagement activities in Cyprus?

Employee engagement activities in Cyprus are more than just office events. They take advantage of the island’s lively culture and stunning views. Team-building can include fun activities outside, visits to historical places, or joining in local cultural events. Companies are now paying more attention to building a positive and welcoming workplace culture. 

They want to encourage a good balance between work and personal life. Flexible work options, wellness programs, and social gatherings are becoming routine. These changes show that businesses understand how important it is for employees to feel valuable and close to their teams in both work and personal settings.

Are there examples of successful employee engagement in Cyprus?

Yes, many companies in Cyprus show how to engage employees successfully. These businesses care about their workers’ well-being. They build a positive and supportive work environment that helps people grow and improve.

Knowing what their employees need and want, these companies adjust their engagement strategies. As a result, they enjoy the rewards of a happy and productive workforce, which makes them the preferred employers in Cyprus’s tough job market.

Are there successful employee engagement case studies in Cyprus?

Many specific case studies might be difficult to find because of privacy rules. Still, you can see how successful employee engagement helps businesses in Cyprus succeed. Companies in different fields, such as technology, tourism, and finance, realise that a happy and engaged workforce leads to good business results. These innovative companies follow similar steps regarding employee engagement. 

They focus on clear and open communication, invest in developing their employees, and build a company culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. By prioritising these parts of the employee experience, these businesses boost their profits and become appealing places to work, which helps them attract and retain the best talent.

What is the next step?

Encouraging employee engagement is important for everyone in the organisation, not just HR professionals. To boost employee engagement, you can use pulse surveys. These surveys help you check employees’ engagement and find ways to improve.

Offer development opportunities that match employees’ needs and wants. Create a workplace-to-work environment where communication is strong, people feel recognised, and improvement is a constant goal. Engaged employees are more likely to work harder and become advocates for your brand.

Start now by making engaging survey questions and genuinely listening to what your employees say through employee listening. It’s time to improve workplace engagement!

Turn Your Workplace into a Great Place to Work!

Employees thrive in great company cultures—let’s build yours! Whether you’re aiming for higher engagement, better retention, or Great Place to Work certification, we’re here to help. Fill out the form and let’s talk!

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Workplace Culture: Definition, Types, and Cultural Diversity in Cyprus

Workplace culture is the heart of a company. It shapes how workers interact, do their jobs, and help reach the company’s goals. This culture reflects the shared values, beliefs, and actions that create a company’s atmosphere. Cyprus, known for its diverse culture, has workplaces that mix traditional values with modern ideas.

The work environment in Cyprus is unique, from family-run businesses to large international firms. Understanding these cultural differences is very important, especially for new workers. It can help with better communication, create stronger relationships, and offer a sense of belonging for employees from different backgrounds.

What is Workplace Culture?

Company culture, also known as organizational culture, is a vital part of the work environment that defines the organization’s culture. It shapes how things are done in a company, including how people communicate, how leaders act, how decisions are made, and how employees are recognized.

You can think of it as a company’s personality. It influences what employees experience and how they interact with each other every day. You can’t just copy it easily; it grows naturally from the shared values, beliefs, and behaviours of the people in the organisation.

What does workplace culture include?

Workplace culture mainly shows the shared values and beliefs of an organization’s people. These values guide how employees act, communicate with each other, and make choices. They can focus on customer service, teamwork, innovation, or a strong work culture and good work ethic.

A company’s values often appear in a mission statement. However, their real meaning is revealed in daily actions and behaviours. The leadership team needs to define and practice these company values in their actions.

When a company consistently shows and supports its values, it becomes part of the organization’s core. This creates unity and purpose. It helps build a positive work environment where employees feel connected to each other, respected, and in line with the company’s goals, ultimately contributing to a concise list of values that reflect the organization’s culture.

How does culture influence decision-making?

Work culture significantly affects how decisions are made in a company. Decisions often come from a group effort in a culture that values open communication and teamwork. Team members share their thoughts, which creates a sense of ownership and brings in different viewpoints.

On the other hand, in a stricter culture, the power to make decisions may rest with a few people at the top. This can help speed up certain decisions but may also make employees feel ignored or left out of important talks.

In the end, a good work culture allows employees at all levels to share their ideas, supported by an employee recognition program. This leads to a more welcoming place where everyone feels important, and decision-making is more transparent and diverse.

Why is culture important in the workplace?

A positive workplace culture is important for a strong workplace culture and a company’s success. It helps employees feel engaged, stay longer, and work better. When workers feel valued and supported, they give more to their jobs and care about the company’s progress. Employee recognition is essential in creating a good work culture. 

When companies regularly acknowledge their employees’ hard work, it boosts morale and helps people feel they belong. Companies that focus on professional development also show they care about their workers’ growth and well-being. This can include training programs, mentorship programs, or chances for promotions. All this helps create a positive work environment.

How does workplace diversity influence workplace culture?

Cultural diversity is a valuable part of the workplace. It brings together people from various backgrounds, views, and experiences. When we embrace this diversity well, it encourages creativity and new ideas. It also helps us better understand our customers’ different needs.

A positive workplace culture sees and values these differences. It creates an inclusive space where everyone feels safe and respected. People are empowered to share their unique skills. It’s about recognizing diversity’s strengths and building a sense of belonging for all employees.

What is cultural diversity in the workplace?

Cultural diversity in the workplace means having employees from many different backgrounds. This includes differences in ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and more. It is important to create a diverse team that shows the richness of our world.

Hiring people from various backgrounds is just the beginning. We must also build an inclusive environment. This will make everyone feel comfortable showing their true selves at work. It is about creating a culture that respects and values differences.

Psychological safety is very important in a workplace with cultural diversity. This means creating a space where employees can share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. When people feel safe, open communication can happen, leading to better teamwork and new ideas.

How do we manage cultural diversity in the workplace?

Managing diversity well takes ongoing work and commitment from everyone in the organization. It is not just something for HR; it is about making inclusivity a part of the company culture.

To build an inclusive culture, you need to understand unconscious biases and be ready to address them. This can mean having diversity training for employees and leaders. These programs can help raise awareness, change assumptions, and encourage respectful interactions.

Here are some primary strategies for smartly managing diversity:

  • Do inclusive hiring: Make sure job descriptions are free from bias. Aim to recruit a diverse group of candidates.
  • Encourage open communication: Set up ways for employees to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas.
  • Celebrate cultural differences: Ask employees to share their traditions, holidays, and views to build respect and understanding.

By supporting inclusivity and belonging, companies can attract and retain top talent, boost innovation, and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Can embracing cultural differences improve team performance?

Embracing cultural differences is not only the right thing to do; it also helps organisations improve team performance. When people from different backgrounds come together, they bring their ideas, experiences, and ways to solve problems.

This mix of thoughts boosts creativity and innovation. Teams with different views can question old ideas, find mistakes, and create solutions that meet many needs. By creating a space where everyone feels safe sharing their ideas, organisations can unlock their teams’ full potential, which can lead to excellent results.

What is the role of workplace culture in employee engagement?

Workplace culture is very important for employee engagement and satisfaction. It is a hidden force that affects how connected and committed employees feel to their work and the company. A positive company culture creates a sense of belonging, purpose, and job satisfaction.

When employees feel valued, respected, and supported, they are more likely to be engaged. They will want to put in extra effort and do their best work. On the other hand, a hostile or toxic work environment can lead to disengagement, low morale, and high staff turnover.

What types of workplace cultures exist in Cyprus?

Workplace cultures in Cyprus are very varied, just like the island. They mix old traditions with new ideas. You can see some businesses that follow a family-like structure. At the same time, some startups and tech companies work in a more team-oriented and creative way.

Cyprus’s corporate culture is also shaped by its history and location. It has a warm Mediterranean feel and European professionalism. Knowing about these cultural differences can really help when working in these workplaces.

1. Collaborative Culture in the Workplace

A collaborative culture involves teamwork, open communication, and a shared purpose. In these settings, workers feel empowered to share their ideas, participate in discussions, and work together on common goals.

This type of culture supports a flat organisation where decision-making is shared, contrasting with a hierarchy culture. Employees at every level feel valued and heard. Information is shared freely, and there is a strong focus on helping one another and sharing knowledge.

Collaborative cultures are especially beneficial for companies in fast-changing industries. In these fields, being quick, innovative, and able to adapt to change is crucial for success.

2. Competitive Workplace Culture

A competitive culture relies on ambition and determination. People in this culture aim for high performance and always strive for better results. Individual achievements are important, and success is often measured by how well one performs compared to others. Workers are pushed by their personal goals, bonuses for good work, and the wish to do better than their coworkers. 

This focus can create motivation and feelings of success. However, it is vital to keep a healthy balance. In a market culture, competition usually focuses on outside rivals. Gaining market share, acquiring new customers, and achieving financial success are major goals.

3. Innovative Culture in the Workplace

An innovative culture is about continually seeking new ideas. People are open to trying different things and accept certain risks. In these places, workers are encouraged to think differently, challenge standard ways, and find creative answers to tough problems.

There is a strong focus on creativity, research and development, and the chance to try without worrying about failing. This type of culture attracts people who are excited, curious and want to make a change.

Innovation grows well in places where collaboration, open communication, and sharing of ideas are part of the day-to-day. Companies that build an innovative culture usually lead their fields by pushing limits.

4. Clan Culture in the workplace

Clan culture is common in small organizations or family-run businesses. This culture creates a strong sense of community and loyalty among employees. People feel connected to the company and each other and share in its success. Teamwork and support are very important. 

They help create a space where everyone feels valued. Senior leadership often acts as mentors, helping their team members grow. Clan cultures are great at building loyalty and a strong sense of belonging. But as the organization grows, clear communication and decision-making are important.

What defines a positive workplace culture?

A positive workplace culture is key to a successful organization. This environment makes employees feel valued, respected, and supported in their jobs and personal lives. Mutual respect is fundamental here. Open communication, empathy, and understanding are essential parts of this culture.

Employee well-being is very important. Companies should focus on work-life balance and offer flexible work options. They should also promote initiatives that help with physical and mental health. This creates a better work experience, and employees become more productive, creative, and satisfied with their jobs.

How to improve workplace culture in Cyprus?

Improving the work environment takes effort and understanding what makes Cyprus different. The first step is to gather feedback from employees. This can be done through surveys and open forums. This feedback gives important ideas about their experiences and suggestions for change.

Effective leadership strategies are essential for employee relationships. Leaders should support positive change by leading by example. They should create a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and appreciation for diversity.

It is also important to invest in employee development programs. Promoting work-life balance and regularly recognizing employee contributions are essential for building a more positive and engaging workplace.

What characterizes a toxic workplace culture?

A toxic workplace culture can manifest in different ways. It often includes negative behaviors that hurt employee morale and inhibit creativity. It can also make it hard for people to be productive. Common signs include poor communication, secrets among staff, and a feeling of negativity in the air.

Gossiping, bullying, and micromanagement are all signs of a toxic culture. These behaviours can harm the well-being of employees. If not dealt with, they can spread through the workplace, making the work environment hostile. They can also lead to high turnover rates, low productivity, and even legal troubles.

What is the safety culture in the workplace?

Safety culture means the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that focus on the safety and well-being of employees at work. It is about creating a place where everyone takes care of their own safety and the safety of their coworkers.

This includes setting up clear safety rules, giving proper training, and encouraging open communication for reporting dangers or close calls. Good risk management is key to a strong safety culture. It involves finding, assessing, and managing risks to stop accidents and keep people safe.

What are typical examples of workplace culture in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, you will find many examples of workplace culture that reflect the island’s blend of traditional values and modern ideas. This shows the island’s blend of traditional values and modern ideas. Family-run businesses usually create a close-knit culture. They focus on loyalty, personal relationships, and a strong sense of community.

On the other hand, larger companies and multinational firms tend to be more formal and follow a strict structure. Startups and tech companies often prefer a teamwork-based and creative atmosphere. In the end, the company’s mission, values, industry, and leadership significantly influence workplace culture.

What action should you take next?

Building a great workplace culture isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. It starts with open communication, a genuine desire to improve, and a workplace where employees feel valued and respected. When people feel empowered, they do their best work.

Embrace diversity, invest in professional growth, and prioritize employee well-being. A strong workplace culture boosts engagement, drives productivity, and sets your organization up for long-term success—especially in Cyprus’s evolving business landscape.

Now is the time to take action. Create a work environment where employees thrive, and your company will, too!

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Want a Certified Workplace in Cyprus? Learn How Employee Surveys Improve Engagement and Culture

A strong workplace culture is crucial for success in today’s business world. A good work environment is more than just a place of employment. It helps engage employees, improve workplace morale, and support growth. So, how can you create this? Employee surveys help understand how workers feel and what they experience.

By collecting anonymous feedback about different areas—like leadership, communication, work-life balance, and recognition—companies can leverage employee feedback data platforms and AI to obtain vital information to improve. This feedback helps focus on specific issues and strengthen what is already good. Eventually, this leads to a more engaged and happier workforce.

What is a Workplace?

The term “workplace” refers to more than just the physical area where people do their jobs. It includes the work environment, company culture, and employee relationships. A positive workplace is one where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. They should be able to show their true selves at work without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Creating an inclusive environment is important for long-term success. It helps employees from different backgrounds feel like they belong. Promoting diversity in many ways, such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs, is essential. When companies appreciate every person’s unique skill, they build a lively and rewarding workplace culture over the long term.

What is the purpose of a workplace?

The role of a workplace is more than just a place for people to do their jobs. It helps boost productivity and supports smooth operations. It encourages new ideas and helps reach business goals. A good work environment emphasizes comfort, teamwork, and employee happiness to improve results and performance.

The workplace offers chances for personal growth. It is a space for employees to learn new skills, gain experience, and advance their careers. A helpful and inspiring work environment supports talent and encourages personal and company development.

What are the main employee benefits in Cyprus?

Cyprus offers a range of employee benefits designed to attract and retain talent while ensuring worker well-being. These benefits vary based on industry, company size, and employment contracts.

In Cyprus, key employee benefits typically include a range of perks that apply to various industries and roles, including:

BenefitDescription
Annual LeavePaid time off for vacation and personal reasons, typically around 20-22 days.
Sick LeavePaid leave for illness, ensuring employees can prioritise their health.
Maternity LeaveExtended paid leave for mothers before and after childbirth.
Public HolidaysPaid time off for national and religious holidays.
Social SecurityContributions to a social insurance system, providing benefits like pensions.
Provident Fund
(Optional)
Employer contributions to a retirement savings plan.
Health InsuranceEmployer-provided or subsidized health insurance plans.
Hybrid and Remote WorkAllows employees to work part-time from home or other locations, promoting work-life balance and flexibility.
Flexible Working HoursOffers employees the ability to adjust their work schedule, improving autonomy and accommodating personal commitments.
Unlimited Annual LeaveIt allows employees to take as much paid time off as they need, promoting mental health and well-being.
Training and DevelopmentOffers professional growth through job-related and personal interest learning, fostering skill development and personal growth.
TravellingEncourages employees to travel, whether for business or personal purposes, to support work-life balance and cultural enrichment.

In addition, some companies in Cyprus offer further benefits such as bonuses, meal allowances, transportation assistance, or flexible working arrangements to attract and retain employees in a competitive job market.

What is a Workplace Certification?

A Workplace Certification shows that a company has met specific standards for building a good work environment. It means the company cares about its employees and works to create a respectful, engaging, and supportive environment.

This outside approval sends a strong message to future employees, clients, and partners that the company values its people and aims to offer a great work experience.

This video from Great Place To Work Deutschland explains how an employee survey works.

Is Workplace certification possible for companies in Cyprus?

Absolutely! Companies in Cyprus can obtain workplace certification regardless of size or industry. Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture with a presence in over 90 countries, offers companies the opportunity to participate in such certification programs.

Certification includes an employee survey and, for large organizations, the submission of what we call a cultural audit. This helps companies fully understand the workplace experience. If a company meets the needed standards, it earns the certification, which lasts for a specific time. It shows its commitment to a positive work environment.

When companies in Cyprus actively work for and earn workplace certification, they show they care about global best practices in human resource management. This can improve their reputation and brand image and help them attract and retain the best talent.

Certification badge from Great Place to Work for companies located in Cyprus.

What is a Workplace Recognition Program?

A Workplace Recognition Program is a way for companies to show appreciation for their employees’ work. It goes beyond pay and helps build a culture of gratitude and value. These programs can include many types of recognition.

You might see verbal praise, written notes, awards, or chances for career growth. When companies regularly recognize and celebrate their employees’ successes, it can improve morale, keep people engaged, and help keep them on the team.

Will certifying the workplace increase the company’s recognition?

Yes, getting certified can help a company stand out. It shows the public that they work hard to create a good and rewarding work environment. This kind of recognition goes beyond just the company. Certified workplaces often get awards and shout-outs in industry magazines, social media, and job sites. 

This good recognition makes the company look better, helps attract new employees, and builds its reputation with clients and partners. Also, the certification acts like a seal of approval. It tells job seekers that the company cares about its employees and creates a helpful work environment. This reasonable view of the company can help attract and keep great workers in a busy job market.

What steps are needed to certify a company’s workplace in Cyprus?

The following steps are taken whenever a company wishes to certify its workplace:

1. Survey Your Employees

  • Conduct the Trust Index Survey, an employee feedback survey that measures employee experience across key workplace dimensions like trust, leadership, and company culture.
  • The survey consists of 60 statements and 5 standard demographics.
  • Employees respond anonymously, ensuring honest feedback.

2. Complete the Culture Brief

  • Submit details about your organisations, including size, industry, and workplace programs.
  • This helps provide context for survey results and employer branding.

For Companies with over 200 employees – submit the Culture Audit:

The Culture Audit is a detailed questionnaire that helps Great Place to Work evaluate a company’s workplace culture, leadership, and HR practices. It is primarily used for Best Workplaces rankings rather than just certification.

3. Data Analysis & Certification Decision

  • Great Place to Work analyses survey results and compares them against benchmark data through a SAS Platform, the Emprising.
  • If your company meets the Certification threshold (typically 65%+ positive responses), you become Great Place to Work-Certified.

4. Employer Branding & Recognition

Once certified, you receive:

  • The Certification badge will be showcased on websites, social media, and recruitment materials.
  • A feature on the Great Place to Work website and other media opportunities.
  • Eligibility to be considered for Best Workplaces lists (e.g., Europe’s Best Workplaces, Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For).

5. Action Planning & Continuous Improvement

  • Receive survey insights and analytics to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Use tools like GPTWs to analyze and accelerate the development of strategies for enhancing workplace culture.

This video of Great Place to Work UK, explains how the survey platform works on emprising.

What is the purpose of the Culture Audit?

The purpose of the Culture Audit is to:

  • Provides qualitative insights into how a company creates and sustains a great workplace culture.
  • Evaluate people practices, leadership philosophy, and organisational values beyond employee survey results.
  • Helps differentiate companies competing for a spot on the Best Workplaces lists (e.g., Europe’s Best Workplaces, Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For).

What Does It Include?

A written submission covering key aspects of workplace culture, such as:

  • Leadership & Values — How leadership inspires trust and aligns with company values.
  • Hiring & Onboarding — How new employees are recruited and integrated.
  • Employee Development — Training, career growth, and mentorship programs.
  • Recognition & Rewards — How employees are acknowledged and rewarded.
  • Well-being & Work-Life Balance — Policies supporting employee health and flexibility.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — Efforts to create a fair and inclusive workplace.
  • Certification Award — Once your company meets the certification standards, you will receive official recognition, usually valid for a specified period. Continuous improvement is essential to maintaining effective workplace practices.
  • Feedback and Improvement — After the assessment, companies receive detailed feedback and recommendations for enhancement. Use this feedback to refine your workplace strategies.

What defines Workplace Engagement?

The definition of employee engagement includes how enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed people feel in their roles each day. Workplace engagement is about how much employees care about their company and its goals. It’s not only about being at work; it’s also about being passionate, motivated, and wanting to make a real difference.

Engaged employees do more than the bare minimum. This kind of engagement is essential for both personal and organisational success. Human resources professionals recognize that it’s about creating a strong bond between employees and their jobs. An engaged workforce contributes to business success, with workers who care deeply about their jobs.

These employees strive to do their best to help the company succeed. When workers understand their purpose and share the organization’s values, they become more engaged, which can help lower absenteeism. Engaged employees don’t just show up; they participate actively. They are passionate about what they do and want to achieve meaningful outcomes.

How do we measure workplace engagement in Cyprus?

Measuring workplace engagement is very important for companies in Cyprus. It helps them understand how their employees feel and find ways to improve. A good way to measure employee engagement is by using well-made surveys.

The survey questions should focus on essential aspects of the employee experience. These include job satisfaction, relationships with managers and peers, shared company values, and chances for growth. By making questions specific to the Cypriot workplace, companies can learn more about what drives engagement.

Looking at the survey data helps companies see trends. They can find out where employees feel appreciated and where they need more support. This information allows companies to make better choices and create focused plans to build a more engaged and rewarding work environment.

At Great Place to Work® Cyprus, we measure workplace engagement through our employee feedback survey – the Trust Index:

The Trust Index Survey is the cornerstone of Great Place to Work’s research methodology. It is designed to assess employee experience and workplace culture through a data-driven approach.

Built on over 30 years of research, the survey gives organizations insights into trust, leadership effectiveness, workplace fairness, and employee engagement. It is the primary tool for Great Place to Work Certification and eligibility for Best Workplaces rankings worldwide.

What is the Trust Index Survey?

At its core, the Trust Index Survey measures the quality of the relationships between employees and their leaders, their work, and their colleagues. Research has shown that these relationships are the foundation of a high-performing and engaging workplace.

The structured survey gives organisations a clear picture of how employees perceive their work environment and whether they experience a culture of trust and inclusivity. The survey consists of 60 core statements that employees respond to on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree to agree strongly.

These statements are grouped into five key dimensions of trust that define a great workplace:

DimensionWhat It MeasuresExample Statement
CredibilityLeadership transparency, communication, and competence.Management is honest and ethical in its business practices.
RespectEmployee support, inclusion, and recognition.Management genuinely seeks and responds to suggestions and ideas.
FairnessEquity in decision-making, rewards, and policies.Promotions go to those who best deserve them.
PrideEmployees’ connection to their work and company mission.I feel proud to tell others I work here.
CamaraderieTeamwork, collaboration, and sense of belonging.People care about each other here.

In addition to these core statements, organisations may include:

  • Demographic questions to analyse variations in employee experience across different groups (e.g., job level, gender, tenure).
  • Open-ended questions to gather qualitative insights on company culture.

This video from Great Place To Work Nederland explains what the Trust Index Survey is and how it works.

What is the research behind the Trust Index Survey?

The Trust Index Survey is scientifically designed to measure employee sentiment accurately and reliably. It is based on decades of global research from millions of employees across industries, allowing organisations to compare their results with regional, sector, and Best Workplaces benchmarks.

Key Research Findings

  • High-trust workplaces outperform their competitors. Companies with strong Trust Index scores see higher innovation, financial performance, and employee engagement.
  • Trust is a key driver of employee retention. Employees in high-trust workplaces are three times more likely to stay with their company long-term.
  • Inclusivity matters. The for-all methodology, an extension of the Trust Index, ensures that workplace culture is equally experienced across different demographic groups. Organisations that excel in this area benefit from greater agility, innovation, and long-term success.

Using the Trust Index Survey, organisations gain a measure of workplace culture and a roadmap for building a more engaged, innovative, and high-performing workforce.

What is the Trust Index Survey process?

The Trust Index Survey is designed to be flexible and can be conducted in various formats to suit different workplaces.

1️. Survey Launch — Employees receive a confidential survey link (available in over 40 languages).
2️. Data Collection — Surveys remain open for 1-3 weeks, depending on company size and response rates.
3️. Analysis & Benchmarking — Results are compared against industry and Best Workplaces benchmarks.
4️. Certification & Insights — Companies meeting the 65%+ positive response threshold become Great Place to Work-Certified.

Customization & Benchmarking

While the 60 core statements remain standard across all organizations, companies can customize their survey by adding additional questions that address their specific workplace priorities. The benchmarking capability allows organizations to track progress over time and measure their workplace culture against leading employers in their region and industry.

Why does the Trust Index Survey matter?

The Trust Index Survey is more than just an employee engagement tool—it provides a strategic advantage for companies seeking to build strong, inclusive workplace cultures.

By leveraging the insights from the survey, organizations can:

✔ Identify areas for cultural improvement and implement targeted action plans.
Enhance employee trust and engagement, leading to better performance and retention.
Strengthen employer branding and attract top talent by showcasing a strong workplace culture.
Qualify for Great Place to Work Certification and gain recognition as a Best Workplace.

Ultimately, the Trust Index Survey is a powerful instrument that transforms workplace culture data into actionable insights, helping organizations build a thriving, high-trust workplace that benefits employees and business performance.

What are the different levels of workplace engagement?

Understanding the different engagement levels in a workplace is important. This helps in creating effective engagement strategies. Employees can be categorised as highly engaged or actively disengaged. Each group has different drivers and effects.

Highly engaged employees are enthusiastic and committed. They often go the extra mile. These workers find their jobs meaningful. They feel valued and contribute generously to the team. In contrast, disengaged employees have low morale. They put in minimal effort and may bring down the work environment.

Recognising the drivers of engagement is vital. Important factors include meaningful work, opportunities for growth, good leadership, and a positive work environment. By focusing on these drivers, organisations can create a workplace that meets various employee needs, helping to move employees toward higher engagement levels.

How does workplace engagement affect employee productivity?

Workplace engagement and employee productivity are closely linked. When employees feel valued and connected to their work, they become more productive. They show up fully, often do extra, and aim for excellence in what they do.

The benefits of employee engagement go beyond just more work getting done. It leads to better quality work, fewer mistakes, and more employee ownership. When employees care about their work, they give more of themselves. 

This passion boosts innovation, creativity, and a readiness to face challenges. This positive change spreads to the entire organization, helping to build a culture of excellence and firm performance.

Why should Cypriot companies improve workplace engagement?

In today’s changing business world, Cypriot companies must keep employees engaged to do well and stay ahead. A company’s success is closely tied to its workers’ motivation and enthusiasm. When employees want to give their best, the whole company benefits.

Improving workplace engagement has many good things. It helps keep employees longer, cutting costs and stopping high turnover issues. It also boosts productivity, efficiency, and the quality of work. Engaged employees can become brand ambassadors. 

They help create a positive image for the brand and draw in top talent. By building a “great place to work,” companies can offer recognition, growth opportunities, and well-being. This attracts and keeps top-tier talent, giving Cypriot companies an advantage over others.

What is Employee Engagement?

Employee engagement is how employees feel emotionally connected to their work and company. It’s more than just being satisfied with a job. As a human resources metric, it shows a strong commitment to the company’s goals and a better understanding of readiness to put in discretionary and extra effort, ultimately contributing to organisational and company success.

When employees are highly engaged, they hold favourable opinions of their place of work, often viewing it as a great place in a moderately favourable light, and are excited about their tasks. They have a clear purpose and care about their organisation’s performance, which leads to favourable opinions of their place of work. This leads to high performance, better productivity, and a positive company culture.

What are employee engagement surveys?

Employee engagement surveys are invaluable tools. They collect information about employees’ feelings about their jobs, work environment, and the company itself. These surveys have specific questions that help understand employee feelings, check satisfaction, and find improvement areas.

There are different kinds of employee surveys:

  • Annual surveys: These give a complete picture of engagement at one time each year.
  • Pulse surveys: These are shorter and happen more often to see how engagement changes and catches problems quickly.

The data from these surveys help companies make wise choices. They can improve workplace culture, raise employee spirits, solve issues, and create a more engaged and productive work environment.

Is regular training essential for maintaining high employee engagement?

Yes, regular training is essential for keeping employees engaged. When companies offer development opportunities, it shows they care about employee growth. This helps employees reach their full potential.

Continuous improvement is essential for engagement. Employees who get regular training learn new skills and stay updated on industry changes. They feel more confident in what they do. This makes them feel valued and helps them stay interested in their work.

Also, when companies provide training that matches career goals, they care about employees’ development. This leads to a more fulfilling work experience. It encourages employees to see a future in the company.

What is the difference between engaged and disengaged employees?

Understanding the distinction between engaged and disengaged employees is crucial for creating a thriving workplace. While both types of employees contribute to the organisation, their attitudes, behaviours, and impact on the workplace differ significantly.

Engaged employees are enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about their work. They go the extra mile, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a commitment to achieving organisational goals. Disengaged employees, on the other hand, display a lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and connection to their work and the company.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

FactorEngaged EmployeeDisengaged Employee
AttitudePositive, enthusiastic, passionateNegative, apathetic, indifferent
MotivationHigh, self-driven, takes initiativeLow, requires constant supervision, avoids tasks
ProductivityHigh, consistently exceeds expectationsLow, meets only bare minimum requirements
CommunicationOpen, honest, proactiveClosed off, minimal communication
TeamworkCollaborative, supportive, team playerUncooperative, isolate themselves

What is the definition of Workplace Culture?

Workplace culture, also known as work culture, shows the character of a company. It includes the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that shape the work environment and are crucial for the organisation’s culture and success. It is a guide that helps employees interact, make decisions, and work hard.

A strong and positive workplace culture relies on trust, respect, and open communication, producing positive results. It shows how employees treat one another, how they do their work, and how they connect with the company’s goals. A healthy impact culture in the workplace is key to attracting and keeping top talent. It also helps boost employee engagement. It plays a vital role in the success of the organisation.

What defines a positive workplace culture in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, a strong workplace culture values family-friendly principles. The Cypriot culture emphasises family and personal connections. Organisations that support work-life balance, provide flexible work options, and care about their employees’ health are highly respected.

Additionally, a positive culture in Cyprus mirrors the country’s friendly and welcoming nature. Open communication is key, so employees should feel safe sharing their thoughts and worries. Leaders who show understanding, listen to their team members, and build a cooperative and helpful environment help create a positive work culture.

In the end, a strong workplace culture in Cyprus aligns with both the country’s values and the changing needs of its different workers. By following these ideas, organisations can build a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to do their best work.

Does a strong workplace culture reduce employee turnover?

One of the most significant benefits of cultivating a strong company culture and workplace culture is its positive impact on employee retention. When individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in their work environment, they are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, such as a job offer from competitors. A positive company culture fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty, making employees feel like they are integral to something meaningful.

Conversely, a toxic culture work environment, characterised by negativity, poor communication, or a lack of appreciation, can lead to increased stress, decreased job satisfaction, and ultimately, higher employee turnover, resulting in low productivity and undermining organisational success. Replacing departing employees is costly, disrupts team dynamics, and hinders productivity.

Workplace CultureEmployee Turnover
PositiveLower
NegativeHigher

Creating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, encourages open communication, and provides opportunities for growth and development is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. By investing in a positive workplace culture, organizations can reduce employee turnover and reap the benefits of a stable and engaged workforce.

What is considered a family-friendly workplace culture in Cyprus?

A family-friendly workplace culture in Cyprus is more than just good parental leave. It means truly understanding and respecting family values in Cypriot culture. This understanding should be part of the company’s core values. Companies that promote work-life balance are considered positive. 

They allow flexible work schedules and create support for working parents. This can include on-site childcare, flexible hours, or working from home. A family-first work culture also recognises that employees have lives and duties outside their jobs. 

It encourages them to prioritise their well-being and professional development, including learning new skills. This focus on employee relationships helps create a happier and more productive team, as employees feel supported throughout their lives.

Does workplace culture significantly influence customer satisfaction?

There is a clear link between a company’s workplace culture and its ability to satisfy customers in the long term. A healthy workplace culture that values a comprehensive list of values such as respect, integrity, and teamwork is essential as it influences how employees treat customers and the overall business outcomes. Workers who feel valued and respected tend to share those feelings during customer interactions. 

This makes them more engaged, caring, and dedicated to providing excellent service, which helps improve customer satisfaction. Also, a company culture that focuses on improvement and puts customers first drives employees to go above and beyond by encouraging them to share new ideas. This dedication to excellent customer experiences, led by the leadership team and senior leadership, can boost customer loyalty, improve the brand’s reputation, and lead to business growth.

What defines Workplace Diversity?

Workplace diversity means having a mix of people in a company that appeals to potential employees. This includes the benefits of workplace diversity, such as differences in gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and political beliefs. A diverse workforce offers a broader range of skills, ideas, and experiences. Creating a truly diverse workplace is more than just checking boxes. 

It is about making a space where everyone feels valued and respected. People should feel empowered to share their unique skills. To achieve this and attract the best diverse talent, companies must commit to a comprehensive approach to inclusivity and actively work to reshape their hiring process to remove any barriers that stop people from all backgrounds from succeeding.

What is an inclusive workplace culture?

An inclusive workplace culture makes everyone feel welcome, respected, and valued, including ethnic minorities. It doesn’t matter what person’s background; everyone should feel they belong. Employees should be comfortable being themselves and sharing their own views. This means going beyond just accepting differences to genuinely celebrating them.

To build an inclusive workplace, creating a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect for all people is essential. This involves implementing policies and practices that support equality of opportunity and remove any barriers to inclusion.

When employees feel included and respected, they tend to be more engaged, productive, and contributing to the company’s success. An inclusive environment is good for employees and strengthens the whole organisation.

What key aspects contribute to workplace diversity?

Workplace diversity comprises different parts, each adding to a richer and more interesting work setting.

Here are some essential parts to consider:

  • Cultural Diversity: This means having people from many cultural backgrounds. Everyone brings special views, customs, and experiences to the job.
  • Gender Diversity: A balance of genders at work is not just about fairness. It also brings different views and ways to solve problems.
  • Ethnic Diversity: Having people from various ethnic groups increases the talent pool and offers many new experiences and viewpoints.

By accepting these and other types of diversity, companies in Cyprus can build a workplace that better shows the world. This can lead to more innovation, creativity, and a deeper understanding among workers from all backgrounds.

What are the differences between diversity and inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion are related but different ideas. Diversity means having people from many different backgrounds in the workplace. It considers each person’s unique traits and experiences. Inclusion is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and respected.

It ensures that all workers, regardless of background, have the same chances to participate, contribute, and grow. An inclusive workplace is more than counting different workers. It takes effort to build a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves at work, and it helps them reach their full potential.

Does workplace diversity drive innovation in Cypriot companies?

Absolutely! Workplace diversity is significant for businesses in Cyprus. When people from different backgrounds come together, they share unique experiences, views, and ideas. This blend can help find creative solutions and new ideas.

Diverse teams tend to question existing ways of doing things. This can lead to new approaches and answers that might not appear in teams with similar backgrounds. This variety of thinking creates a culture of innovation.

In such an environment, employees feel free to think creatively and try new things. By supporting a workplace culture that values and welcomes diversity, companies in Cyprus can tap into their team’s full innovative power, which can help them gain an advantage in the global market today.

Do Cypriot businesses implement diversity training programs?

Diversity training programs are becoming more common in Cypriot businesses. Companies realise the importance of promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding among their employees. When workers from diverse backgrounds learn to appreciate each other’s differences, it creates a friendlier, more supportive workplace.

These programs encourage employees to embrace diverse perspectives, which helps foster better communication and collaboration across teams. As a result, businesses build work environments where everyone feels valued, leading to a stronger, more unified company culture.

Does workplace diversity improve problem-solving?

Workplace diversity significantly improves organisations’ problem-solving abilities. When people from different backgrounds work together, they share unique views and experiences. This range of ideas helps teams examine issues differently, leading to creative and effective solutions.

By questioning beliefs and embracing different opinions, diverse teams can spot potential problems and devise more thorough ways to address them. Ultimately, a workplace that respects and uses the unique strengths of a diverse workforce is better at handling challenging problems. They can find new and innovative solutions that help achieve success.

What is a Workplace Environment?

A workplace environment includes the physical space, the people we interact with, and the organisation’s culture, all contributing to the overall work atmosphere. This means it’s about things we can see, like the office layout and facilities, as well as the rules for how we talk and interact, encompassing all aspects of work.

The workplace environment is very important. It affects how employees feel, how well they do their work, and how happy they are overall. A positive and supportive environment helps employees feel like they belong. It also encourages us to communicate openly, creating a positive environment that allows everyone to grow and develop in their roles.

What defines a healthy workplace environment in Cyprus?

A healthy workplace in Cyprus focuses on employees’ well-being and encourages a balance between work and personal life. This type of environment values respect and inclusion. Open communication and mutual respect are key to this culture. Workers’ mental and physical health is a genuine concern. Such an environment understands the importance of giving employees what they need to succeed at work and in their personal lives. 

This means providing good pay and benefits, chances for professional development, and access to health care and wellness programs. In addition, a healthy workplace in Cyprus welcomes diversity. It builds a space where everyone feels valued. All employees are respected and empowered to share their skills and talents.

What types of workplace environments are available in Cyprus?

Cyprus has many work environments that fit different industries and work styles. Companies in Cyprus are now adopting various flexible work arrangements to attract and keep the best talent.

Here are some everyday workplace environments in Cyprus:

  • Traditional Offices: These spaces have dedicated work areas, meeting rooms, and common areas. They offer a structured, team-oriented setting.
  • Co-working Spaces are becoming more popular. These spaces provide shared environments for freelancers, startups, and remote workers and help build a sense of community and networking.
  • Remote Work Options: Remote work is becoming more common thanks to technology. This gives employees flexibility and independence.

What does Workplace Equity mean?

Workplace equity is more than just treating everyone the same. It means creating a fair work environment that includes fair compensation. This involves recognising and fixing hidden barriers that might hurt some people or groups.

Everyone should have equal opportunities, regardless of background, identity, or situation. Workplace equity focuses on fair pay, encourages all to have access to professional development, and supports a workplace culture free from discrimination and harassment.

How does workplace equity differ from workplace equality?

Workplace equity and equality are often confused, but they are different ideas. Workplace equality focuses on giving everyone the same resources and opportunities. This means everyone has the same access to benefits, training, and promotions. On the other hand, workplace equality understands that real estate fairness means recognising and fixing current gaps. It wants to build a welcoming place where everyone can succeed. 

This is done by providing support and resources that fit individual needs. To do this, we must consider gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and economic background. We must also create rules and practices that address any benefits or difficulties these factors might create.

How is workplace equity measured in Cyprus?

Measuring workplace equity in Cyprus involves assessing organisational culture, policies, and practices to identify and address potential disparities.
 
This includes examining key factors such as:

Measurement AreaKey Considerations
Compensation & BenefitsAnalyse pays gaps based on gender, ethnicity, and other protected characteristics.
Recruitment and PromotionEvaluate hiring and promotion processes for bias and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Access to Development OpportunitiesAssess the availability and accessibility of training programs for all employee groups.

By regularly measuring and analysing these factors, organisations in Cyprus can identify areas where inequities exist and implement targeted interventions to promote a fairer and more equitable work environment.

What is a workplace training program in Cyprus?

A training program at work in Cyprus helps employees improve their skills and knowledge, leading to growth for both the individual and the organisation. These programs give employees the tools to do well and prepare for future job opportunities.

Companies in Cyprus must invest in employee training if they want to stay competitive today. By offering chances for professional development, organisations show that they care about their employees’ growth and encourage a culture of ongoing learning.

How does a workplace training program benefit employees?

Workplace training programs provide many benefits for employees. These programs help them learn the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their jobs.

Here are some key benefits:

  • Better Job Performance: Training programs help employees learn the latest industry knowledge and best methods, allowing them to do their jobs more quickly and effectively.
  • Career Growth Opportunities: Employees who learn new skills and gain more knowledge improve their chances for promotions and leadership positions.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Employees who gain valuable skills and experience from training can earn more money and become more competitive in the job market.

What is workplace well-being?

Workplace well-being includes the physical, mental, and emotional health of workers. It means making a space where people feel supported and valued. This helps them do their best while balancing work and life. HR departments are critical in this process. They help build a positive work culture, handle employee concerns, and provide resources for overall health and happiness.

Organisations can see higher morale and better productivity when they focus on well-being. There are fewer misunderstandings among coworkers, and employee turnover decreases as well. Additionally, promoting empathy and understanding helps create a positive and supportive workplace, benefiting both the employees and the organisation.

What does workplace flexibility mean?

Workplace flexibility means giving flexible employees choices that help with their personal needs, improve their work-life balance, and boost their bottom line while still maintaining productivity. It’s about setting up a flexible work environment to enhance their workday experience. This allows employees to change their work hours, locations, or arrangements to fit their unique situations and preferences.

For example, millennials and employees might work from home, combine their hours differently, or set up their flexible working workweek to match their personal commitments with fewer hours. This kind of flexibility is important now to attract and keep top talent.

Which sectors in Cyprus benefit most from workplace flexibility?

Workplace flexibility is becoming more important in many areas in Cyprus. Businesses see it as a way to lift employee morale, improve productivity, and retain talent. While most sectors can benefit from this, some have more to gain than others.

For example, the technology and creative fields often do well with remote employees and flexible workers, including caregivers, under the supervision of skilled professionals. These jobs usually need skilled people who work well independently, so flexible work arrangements make sense and are very attractive.

Additionally, sectors such as finance, consulting, and education, where knowledge workers are key, can benefit significantly from workplace flexibility and reduced office space requirements. In these areas, results matter more than being present in the office, which can help minimize burnout. This allows for more flexibility in how people work without lowering results, ultimately helping to reduce turnover. In the end, flexible work options can help attract and keep top talent, giving businesses an edge in a fast-changing job market.

How Should You Proceed?

Building a certified workplace starts with prioritizing employee satisfaction and well-being. Conducting employee surveys is a powerful way to gather insights, boost engagement, and strengthen your company culture. 

Now is the time to listen, act, and create a supportive work environment where employees thrive. Start by fostering open communication, recognizing achievements, offering growth opportunities, and promoting work-life balance. Regularly assess employee feedback and implement meaningful changes to enhance workplace harmony and productivity.

Don’t wait—take action today and pave the way for a workplace that truly values its people!

Turn Your Workplace into a Great Place to Work!

Employees thrive in great company cultures—let’s build yours! Whether you’re aiming for higher engagement, better retention, or Great Place to Work certification, we’re here to help. Fill out the form and let’s talk!

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Onboarding Gen Z: How to Connect with the Most Connected Generation

Integrate relationship-building, upskilling, and flexibility into your welcome when bringing on new Gen Z employees.

How warm is your workplace welcome?

Great Place To Work research has identified “hiring & welcoming” as a key leadership behavior critical to a successful employee retention strategy. While onboarding is not the only factor, it can set the tone for an employee’s entire tenure with your organization.

This is especially true for Gen Z, a generation that’s both anxious from uncertainty and hopeful for the future.

Employers hiring those born between 1997 and 2012 need to be aware of the unique experiences and expectations of Gen Z in the workplace — and how those factors impact their onboarding experience.

3 ways Gen Z’s upbringing influences the workplace

“Every generation has a unique backdrop of society that it grows up in,” says Dr. Meghan Grace, co-lead of the Institute of Generational Research and Education and a senior consultant with Plaid LLC, an organizational development firm that focuses on learning experiences.

In Gen Z’s case, she says, three factors stand out as defining characteristics: technological advancement, global connection, and high-stress uncertainty.

1. Gen Z has experienced rapid technological change

“When we look at what was going on with Gen Z in that time period, it’s rapid technological innovation, faster than any other period in time,” says Grace. “That is the only real way they’ve known how to connect with the world.”

As such, Gen Z is not just extremely skilled at learning new technology — they expect it.

For example, Gen Z is the generation most likely to have used AI in the workplace. But at the same time, they’re already more worried than other generations about being replaced by someone with better AI skills, according to a February 2024 study by D2L,

Dr. Grace says Gen Z isn’t necessarily afraid of tools like AI, but they are very aware of how new tech will change the way they work — and they want to learn it.

“It’s ‘Can I be nimble? Can I learn skills that are transferable to a variety of different spaces and different industries,’” she says. “It’s not just, ‘I’m gonna be a doctor — I might need to be a doctor who can also manage a TikTok account that educates people on health issues.’”

Gen Z may be incredibly tech-savvy, but they’re also worried about what they don’t yet know. As such, they’re seeking employers that will give them those opportunities for ongoing learning and career development.

2. Gen Z has developed high empathy

While all generations face changing technology, Gen Z’s experience of it has broadened their worldview from a very young, formative age.

It used to be that high school represented your entire social circle, explains Dr. Grace. But with social media, Gen Z has broadened their networks in an unprecedented way.

For example, maybe someone had a niche interest and were the only kid in their school to care about that. But online, they could find a community with peers from different backgrounds.

They’ve also watched world events — from wildfires in Australia to the conflict in Gaza — unfold in real time, narrated through social media by young people just like them.

“Something that’s unique is that they can understand the human experience around the globe much more than previous generations can and feel that empathy,” says Dr. Grace. “They are more aware of what’s going on in the world geopolitically than previous generations.”

As such, Gen Z is seeking workplaces that align with their expanded worldviews and offer them the chance to make a difference.

“Gen Z more aware of what’s going on in the world geopolitically than previous generations.”

“They’re hopeful for the opportunity to take on jobs that have meaning, that create impact for other people,” says Dr. Grace. “Gen Z is channeling their activism in their personal lives and want to work for companies with social alignment.”

3. Gen Z has faced global uncertainty

Older Gen Zs were early adolescents when the 2008 U.S. recession hit — meaning at the time when they were dreaming about what they wanted to be when they grew up, they were also overhearing adults worry about layoffs and unemployment.

Then, while the oldest Gen Zs were in college or graduating into the working world, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Classes and office jobs shifted online, forcing them to miss out on important social development. Many Gen Zs worked frontline jobs in retail or hospitality, where they faced furloughs and safety concerns.

Dr. Grace says this backdrop has left Gen Z with a lot of anxiety — but also a willingness to be nimble out of necessity.

Take our hypothetical medical student, who sees science as a stable career path, but is open to biomedicine and integrating AI or new technology into their work. Dr. Grace says they may then also broadcast their journey through medical school on social media for monetization.

“They are truly financially concerned, stability concerned,” says Dr. Grace. “And so, they’re utilizing everything in their toolbox to make sure they’re not going to be hit with financial uncertainty. They have the ultimate ‘Let’s prepare for the next rainy day’ mindset.”  

While Gen Z has a reputation for job-hopping, it’s not because of short attention spans or disinterest. Rather, they’re switching jobs in search of financial security — higher pay, better benefits, and better growth opportunities.

“They have the ultimate ‘Let’s prepare for the next rainy day’ mindset.”

Employers that offer perks such as health insurance and retirement savings plans will appeal to this generation’s strong desire for stability.

5 tips for successfully onboarding Gen Z employees

Given Gen Z’s unique worldview and experiences, it may not come as a surprise that some of the things Gen Z wants most in an employer are:

  • Relationship-building: The chance to connect with their colleagues as friends and mentors.
  • Skills development: The opportunity to learn and practice new skills that will help them in their career goals.
  • Workplace flexibility: The ability to shape their work life in a way that complements their personal life.

Here’s how to integrate these elements into your onboarding process:

1. Set up a buddy or mentor system

For Gen Z, the nuances of workplace interaction, such as communicating with multiple generations and working alongside new perspectives different from their peer group, was learned from behind a screen.

“I think that’s something they’re very cognizant of, that that’s a gap that they have,” says Dr. Grace.

She recommends pairing up Gen Z employees with a buddy who they meet with regularly. This could be just a friendly face who can answer questions they may be too scared to ask of their direct manager, or it could be a more formalized mentorship with someone who has similar career goals.

2. Offer a thorough training plan

Gen Zs are keen to learn. They are OK with acknowledging what they don’t know and will appreciate getting to try new things hands-on.

“They are sponges for skills,” says Dr. Grace. “They are seeking the ability to stack more things into their toolbox because they don’t know what skill they’re going to need down the road.”

Rather than relying solely on an all-in-one training session, consider bite-sized training and refresher opportunities. This kind of training aligns with the fast-based content delivery that Gen Z has become accustomed to online.

For example, if an employee is working on a new task for the first time, you could set up a 10-minute chat over coffee to walk them through it or send them a Loom video that guides them through it step-by-step.

3. Show what success looks like

Gen Z has grown up with a lot of uncertainty — which is why they want clarity in a new job. That includes knowing what’s expected of them today in the role, as well as what their path to success looks like.

When do reviews happen? Is there a checklist they can follow to achieve a raise or promotion? Setting transparent milestones early on will help to ease Gen Z’s concerns about stability and success.

“I can’t stress enough how much transparent leadership matters to this generation, and they want transparent leadership pre-hiring through onboarding,” says Dr. Grace.

4. Promote purpose

Great Place To Work research has shown that purpose in the workplace is one of the key factors that determines whether an employee will stay or quit.

Employers can win over and retain Gen Z employees with a meaningful company mission. In fact, Gen Zs are three times more likely to remain with an organization if they perceive their work to have “special meaning,” underscoring the significance of genuine commitment over mere lip service.

“Something that should actually start in hiring is talking about how their role and the work that they will do will have a bigger impact,” says Dr. Grace. “Why do we exist and why does this specific role play a part in what we achieve?”

Gen Zs are three times more likely to remain with an organization if they perceive their work to have “special meaning.”

5. Embrace flexibility

Great Place To Work’s research on employee retention strategies has found that employees are three times more likely to stay with an employer when they can choose between remote, hybrid, or onsite work.

While all generations are seeking flexibility these days, “this is a generation that has said it at a much earlier age,” says Dr. Grace. “They’re identifying that work is not their entire identity like previous generations have.”

Good onboarding is a business imperative

Proper onboarding isn’t just a nice to have — it’s essential for an engaged workforce.

“New hires are some of the most expensive to replace because you’re oftentimes replacing many of them multiple times a year,” says Dr. Grace. “The approach to onboarding needs to be incredibly holistic because when employees have barriers — even slight barriers or slight frustrations — those are the things they remember.”

Access our report, Unlocking the Secrets of Employee Retention, to find out how you can predict and prevent turnover in your workplace, including a special section on keeping Gen Z happy at your company.


Learn how you can use our employee engagement survey and data analysis platform to extract data on your employees workplace perception.

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Claire Hastwell

Claire Hastwell

As the Content Program Manager at Great Place To Work, Claire helps decode the psychology behind high-trust workplaces using Great Place To Work’s extensive data repository on employee experience. Claire has co-authored noted reports such as “Women in the Workplace” and “The Power of Purpose at Work,” and contributed to Fortune with her profiles of the Best Workplaces™. Her latest report on employee retention strategies draws on the experience of 1.3 million employees to give leaders strategic guidance on retaining their top people. 

3 Diversity and Inclusion Strategies That Create Meaningful Change

3 Diversity and Inclusion Strategies That Create Meaningful Change

Accenture’s North America Inclusion & Diversity lead shares practical tips for organizations looking to widen their talent pools.

Organizations have three levers they can pull to find the talented and diverse workforce they need.

Companies can widen their talent searches and bring more candidates into their pipeline. They can use training and development to create the specialized talent they need. They can also nurture talent within their organization, offering internal candidates the opportunity to upskill and progress to new roles.

Yolanda Friend, managing director and North America Inclusion & Diversity lead at Accenture, shared how Accenture defines and promotes belonging at our 2022 For All™ Summit. She offered ways every organization can build a better talent pipeline to improve diversity and belonging at any workplace.

1. Increase the scope of your talent search

 To widen the talent pool at your workplace, diversify your pipeline.

“When we began focusing our inclusion and diversity efforts on closing talent gaps, we knew the answer lay in widening our horizons in how we sought out and retained our talent pool,” said Friend.

In 2016, Accenture became the first professional services firm to voluntarily publish its comprehensive workforce demographics, including by gender, ethnicity, persons with disabilities, and veterans in the U.S. — and since then, has added LGBTQ data.

Assembling an inclusive slate of candidates before interviews is one step towards eliminating bias in the search for talent.

“We’ve also removed bachelor’s degree requirements from about half of our entry-level roles in the United States,” Friend says. “That’s given us access to a much broader and more diverse talent pool.”

Representation matters during the recruiting process as well.

“It’s important to have diversity on your hiring team,” Friend said. “People want to see themselves reflected in our organization. When a job applicant doesn’t see diversity represented in the hiring process, it raises doubts about the commitment of the organization to create an open and welcoming environment.”

To mitigate systemic perception and process issues, Accenture ensures interview panels are diverse and balanced and that hiring power does not rest with a single individual.

“We use multiple interviewers,” shared Friend. “It has to be more than one person making the final call.”

[Hear from more inspiring leaders at our next For All Summit]

 2. Create the talent you need

Access to continuous learning and professional development opportunities are an important way organizations can upskill current talent at the company and unlock the full potential of their people.

Organizations can also help develop talent with career mapping, internal job mobility, and tools to help match internal candidates to development opportunities.

If an employee isn’t finding success in their role, Friend recommends looking at three factors:

  • Are they in the right role?
  • Do they have the necessary skills?
  • Do they have the right sponsor?

“If people have gaps in their performance — clearly one of those three areas is not working, and organizations should help their people discover their best opportunities and expand their skill sets,” she said.

At Accenture, mentorship and sponsorship play a crucial role in the career progressions of internal candidates into future leaders. “We expect our leaders to sponsor and mentor our people,” said Friend.

3. Unlock the full potential of the talent you have.

 A commitment to diversity and inclusion also means a company culture that cares about its people.

“We may choose the talent who join our company,” shared Friend. “But it’s critical to recognize that it’s our people who decide every single day whether to stay.”

Accenture provides its people access to tools and programs like Thrive Global, a behavior-change platform offering science-based solutions to lower stress and enhance well-being and productivity.

Great Place To Work® research shows that companies who invest in their employees are rewarded with higher productivity, performance, and profits.

“Small behavior changes can really move the needle and have a big outcome over time,” Friend says.

Measuring results

To see the full benefits of a diversity and inclusion strategy, leaders must be accountable for their commitments. Outcomes must be measured and tied to business goals.

“At Accenture, we approach inclusion and diversity with the same discipline and rigor as any other business priority,” said Friend. “We set goals, share them publicly, collect data to continuously improve and hold our leaders accountable. We also expect our people to own the equality agenda — to make it part of their jobs — every decision, every day — and to speak up and to act. Everyone from the top of our board to the new joiner is responsible for a work environment where our people can be the same person both inside and outside of work.”

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Ted Kitterman

Ted Kitterman is a content manager for Great Place to Work®. Ted has experience covering the workplace, business communications, public relations, internal communications, work culture, employee well-being, brand purpose and more. His work shines a light on the unparalleled data and insights offered by Great Place to Work’s decades of research, helping the company share its vision of a great place to work For All™.

Job Seekers Are 15X More Likely To Choose Certified Great Workplaces

Certification

Are you feeling the heat in today’s competitive job market? You’re not alone. Attracting and retaining top talent is becoming a tougher puzzle to solve. But what if I told you there’s a secret ingredient that could make your company stand out to job seekers? 

Enter Great Place To Work® Certification™. A recent study carried out in the U.S revealed a game-changing insight: Job seekers are overwhelmingly more likely to choose a company that’s been certified as a great workplace by its own employees.

In the 2023 study by Great Place To Work® U.S, the sentiments of over 4,400 employees from typical U.S. workplaces were captured. This was part of a larger three-year market survey. Respondents were asked a straightforward question: “Would knowing a workplace has been certified as a great place to work by its own employees make you more likely to want to work there?”

The results were clear: People were 15 times more likely to choose a company knowing it was certified by employees as a great workplace. 

That’s three out of four U.S. job seekers who said they’re more likely to choose a company that is Great Place To Work Certified™.

This is good news for Certified companies looking to recruit talent away from competitors, as employees are expressing less interest in leaving their jobs than they were in 2022. In fact, there’s been a 25% year-over-year decrease in employees who are undecided about whether to look for a new job, and a 26% increase in workers who say they plan to stay where they are.

In other words, the competition for top talent has heated up significantly, and employers need to stand out in the job market. Great Place To Work Certification tells job seekers that a company has a proven track record of providing a positive work environment, validated by current employees and unbiased, third-party assessments. 

The role of trust in great workplaces

Before we explore the impact of trust on workplace dynamics, let’s talk about the importance of trust in earning Great Place To Work Certification. Our model is built on the belief that trust is the foundation of a great workplace. 

It’s what we look for when we assess companies for Certification. We use our Trust Index™ Survey to measure how much employees trust their leaders, feel respected, and enjoy their workplace culture.

Our research has shown that trust doesn’t just make a nice place to work; it drives real business success. When employees trust their company, they’re more engaged, productive, and likely to stick around. 

That’s why companies that earn our Certification are places where trust is strong, and as a result, they outperform their competitors.

But don’t just take our word for it; the numbers speak for themselves. In our same national employee survey conducted in 2023, we reached out to over 4,400 employees from a variety of industries and backgrounds. They shared their experiences on everything from trust and pride to innovation and fairness at work. 

When we compared their responses to those from Great Place To Work Certified companies, the disparities were obvious. Certified workplaces consistently outshine the national averages, proving that trust isn’t just a feel-good factor—it redefines success for companies.

How companies Certified by Great Place To Work eclipse the typical workplace

Our research shows that Certified (aka high-trust) companies can boast about having better bosses, fairer paths to promotions, and higher employee engagement, with more employees reporting that they look forward to coming to work.

They are also far more successful at retaining, engaging, and fostering adaptability among employees than at the average workplace.

Certified great workplaces pay and promote their people fairly 

Employees at great workplaces say they often or always felt practices at their workplaces were fair.

Employer brands that stand out from the crowd 

Certified great workplaces retain and attract more talent. They live their employer brands from the inside out and inspire better employee engagement.

Certified great workplaces are full of supportive, passionate coworkers.

Great workplaces offer more opportunities

Employees want more than just a paycheck. They want to be given the chance to grow and develop, while not having to neglect their personal life for the sake of work.

Great workplaces provide a sense of purpose and pride

Our research into top employee retention strategies has shown that more than anything else, purpose and pride are the two biggest factors that determine whether an employee will stay with an organization. Employees are: 

  • 2.7x more likely to stay when they feel a sense of purpose
  • 2.2x times more likely to stay when they feel a sense of pride

When leaders inspire employees to feel proud of what they do and to find meaning behind it, they have a happier and more motivated workforce. At Certified great workplaces, employees are:

  • 53% more likely to experience a sense of purpose at work
  • 25% more likely to feel a sense of pride at what their team has accomplished

“I often find myself sharing the DHL way with others who are complaining about their workplace. Especially in areas of engagement, corporate social responsibility, and constantly looking forward/innovating. Our CEOs … deliver tough messages when we need to be aware. Not in a doom and gloom way, but in a positive, pull-us-all-together way. As a company, we have a consistent strategy, and we talk about it often and relate it to what’s actually happening in the business. We are really good at constantly improving. Just writing this makes me really proud to be a long-term DHL’er.” –Employee at DHL Express 

Hearing it straight from the source: Culture through employee voices 

For job seekers and HR managers alike, choosing a Great Place To Work Certification is a smart decision that leads to improved job satisfaction, stronger employee engagement, and a lasting positive work environment. By prioritizing workplace certification, job seekers can increase their chances of finding a great boss, while HR managers can leverage this certification to attract and retain the best talent in their industry.

Read case studies of how other companies became Certified.

Learn how to get your company Certified today and join the community of exceptional workplaces.


Claire Hastwell

Claire Hastwell

As the Content Program Manager at Great Place To Work, Claire helps decode the psychology behind high-trust workplaces using Great Place To Work’s extensive data repository on employee experience. Claire has co-authored noted reports such as “Women in the Workplace” and “The Power of Purpose at Work,” and contributed to Fortune with her profiles of the Best Workplaces™. Her latest report on employee retention strategies draws on the experience of 1.3 million employees to give leaders strategic guidance on retaining their top people. 

9 High-Trust Leadership Behaviors Everyone Should Model

 9 High-Trust Leadership Behaviors Everyone Should Model

by MICHAEL C. BUSH

Every employee should take these behaviors to heart whether or not they are people leaders.  

I often get asked what it takes to create a great workplace. The short answer: trust.

High-trust cultures help employees thrive, which fuels company performance in all areas — from referrals and retention to productivity and revenue. 

It’s impossible to create a great workplace for all employees without trust. That’s what our 30 years of research about company culture has told us. And that’s why our survey that measures employee experience is called the Trust Index™.

Trust is woven into our daily interactions at work, just as it is outside of work among family and friends. It’s built on many moments — moments that our research has broken down into nine behaviors that can build or break trust. It’s a list I keep on my desk and check every day check-in on how I’m doing as a leader.

Every leader should work on and improve these behaviors; if you’re not a people leader, you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with me?”

Leaders affect 70% of the employee experience, but the other 30% comes from our teammates, how we work with others, and the actual work that we’re doing. It takes everyone in an organization to create a great workplace for all.  

Here’s where to begin: 

1. Listening

This is the most important behavior of all and what I focus on the most. If you’re not a great listener, you can’t model the other behaviors well.  

Listening is not just making sure you’ve accurately heard the words coming out of someone’s mouth. It’s also not just waiting for someone to stop talking so you can speak. It is choosing to empty your mind and set aside your opinions while someone else is talking.

True listening requires humility, vulnerability, and empathy.  

You may have a lot of opinions, but to be a for-all, inclusive leader, you must put those opinions aside. If you’re having a conversation and you’re not willing to consider other points of view, what’s the point of having the conversation at all? Letting go of your assumptions can be described as a meditative mindset, and that’s what makes a great listener.

How do you know you’re doing it right? You’ll find yourself asking questions because you’re learning something from the person you’re talking to. People will tell you that you’re a great listener because it’s rare to have a conversation with someone who’s deeply listening.  

Listening might sound reactive, but it should be proactive. Make yourself available and seek out chances to listen.

Think about who you haven’t heard from lately — and then go ask them questions with a learning mindset. Schedule informal meetings like brown-bag lunches and Q&A sessions. Use surveys and focus groups to regularly elicit employee opinions — and follow up with feedback and action.  

“Listening is not just making sure you’ve accurately heard the words coming out of someone’s mouth. It’s also not just waiting for someone to stop talking so you can speak. It is choosing to empty your mind and set aside your opinions while someone else is talking.”

2. Speaking

This is what we do all day. But there are many layers to what might seem like a straight-forward behavior. 

Speaking is about clarity, frequency, transparency, and sharing information fully in a variety of ways. That includes regularly sharing company news with employees through all your channels — video, intranet, email, print, etc. Be sure to share that news (both the facts and feelings around it) internally before you do externally.

It’s not just about what you share, but who you share it with. Be mindful of those who haven’t heard a message and need to know what information is being shared.  

Speaking is more than what you say and who you say it to, it is how you share information. Communicate thoughtfully and with care, and in easy-to-understand styles. Set up regular meetings to discuss what’s happening and personally share news to encourage a culture of transparency as much as possible.

Lastly, speaking is an opportunity to communicate how a person’s job — and how doing their job well — is essential for your organization to achieve its purpose. 

Consider your receptionist, for example — a role that is often overlooked. Whenever you speak with them, reiterate, emphasize, and clarify how important their job is. When someone walks in a building or contacts a receptionist on the phone, that’s a connection to the brand. In a few seconds, a caller or visitor either feels cared for, important, and listened to, or they don’t.

Speaking is the ability to talk to every warehouse worker, every receptionist, every salesperson, every executive, every teammate in a way that they feel that doing their job is important for the organization to achieve its purpose. And if you’re not sure what someone does, this is your opportunity to build trust by getting to know them.

“Speaking is more than what you say and who you say it to, it is how you share information.”

3. Thanking

If you’re listening to people in the way that I described earlier, you’ll learn things about them. That helps you thank your colleagues in ways that are personally meaningful. Acts of gratitude let people know you’re listening in a way that shows they’re important and essential.

Create a culture of appreciation by recognizing good work and extra effort frequently.

Opportunities to do this are endless: Encourage peer recognition, present employee awards, write personal notes, appreciate mistakes as learning opportunities, and recognize employees who demonstrate company values in person and in front of others.

Creating a culture of thanking will positively affect people’s sense of value and willingness to do their best work because they feel seen.

4. Developing

Listening and speaking helps you learn how someone can further develop personally and professionally.

It’s your job to help employees grow as people, not just performers. Nurture their talents and interests through courses (job- and non-job-related), tuition reimbursement, and personalized development plans and training, for example. Connect employees with mentors and inform them of internal job postings.

Try and give feedback in a way that’s measurable, so they know they’re improving, and with a sense of care, so they’re open to what you have to say. 

When people know you care — even if they don’t always like hearing where they need to improve — they’ll take it as a gift. Everybody wants to get better. Yes, they know it leads to more money, more compensation, and more responsibility in the company. But, at a base level, they want to know they’re making a difference.  

“It’s your job to help employees grow as people, not just performers.”

5. Caring

This is the secret weapon. Great work happens when people care. And people care about their work when they experience being cared for. That shows up when you take time to understand and listen to people’s experiences, inside and outside of work.  

Support their personal lives by discussing options for flextime and personal leave policies. Help them cope with family and personal crises as they arise, and organize support through sick leave or monetary donations. Encourage work-life balance and remind them to take time off to recharge.  

Do you know what makes an employee check an algorithm two or three times, or proofread an email six or seven times? It’s because they care about the purpose of the organization, they care for others, and they feel cared for.

Caring is what unlocks people, and it is key to maximizing a human’s potential.  

“Great work happens when people care. And people care about their work when they experience being cared for.”

6. Sharing

Distributing profits, compensation, bonuses, and incentive plans fairly creates an equitable workplace. If you’re building trust for all, every employee needs to share in the company’s success and understanding how their performance relates to compensation.

Equitable and inclusive sharing also shows up in philanthropic activities. If you’re organizing community activities like a cleanup at a local school, or picking up plastic off a beach or park, make sure that everybody has the opportunity to participate.

If you’re doing those things between eight to five, what about the night shift worker? Make sure you’re truly inclusive in terms of sharing opportunities for people, as well as the resources of the organization.  

Equity does not equal sameness. A picnic for the day shift doesn’t also have to be a picnic for the night shift. What is the purpose of the picnic? To bring people together, to show them their value, and create opportunities for them to interact in informal ways with their leaders.

So how can you create this same experience for this night shift without recreating the same event?

7. Celebrating

The most important things to celebrate are the values of the organization and how people help the organization achieve its purpose.  

It’s important to be specific:

“We want to thank John for the work he did in helping a customer through a sticky problem. We wanted John to do that in seven minutes, but John took 20 minutes because the customer needed it at that time. At our company, we’re willing to do whatever is required to make the customer’s problem our problem, and we’re willing to do what’s required to solve it. I also know that John was late for getting to a soccer practice for his kid. I hope John doesn’t have to do that again, but I want to appreciate the fact that he did that for us.”

If you find yourself celebrating, recognizing, and rewarding the same person, communicate to everyone what it takes to be celebrated and recognized so they don’t feel there’s bias or favoritism. They’ll know if they work hard in some measurable way, they too will get celebrated, recognized, and rewarded one day.

“The most important things to celebrate are the values of the organization and how people help the organization achieve its purpose.”  

8. Inspiring

You don’t have to be a great public speaker to inspire people. You can inspire people with the questions you ask and the way you listen.

You can inspire them by reaffirming the difference your organization makes in the world and why the work is important. Help your workforce understand how their work relates to the company’s higher purpose and business success.

You can do this by telling customer or client stories, sharing the vision of where the company is headed, pointing out behaviors that exemplify company values, reinforcing company values, stressing your company’s contribution to your industry or society, and showing links between employee efforts and achieving your goals.

“You don’t have to be a great public speaker to inspire people. You can inspire people with the questions you ask and the way you listen.”

9. Hiring and welcoming

When someone joins your organization, you should make sure that they know you were expecting them — and that you couldn’t wait for them to get here.

You need to make sure that they have a workplace, can access the systems they need to connect with their work and their colleagues, and have the equipment to be successful. Their laptop is ready, their uniform is ready, their steel-toed boots are ready, their safety goggles are ready.

This goes beyond hiring; it’s what we call welcoming. You can email or send new hires a note in the mail before they start, announce them to other employees in advance, take them to lunch their first week, and help them get integrated into your culture.

When a person joins an organization that has shown that they’ve been thinking about them for a few weeks before they started, they will go home and say, “It was a great experience today. They expected me, my name badge was ready. Everybody was kind, and they seemed to know who I was and what I was going to do.” These actions build trust on their first day.

If someone gets to work and those things aren’t true, trust dips a bit. Self-confidence drops. They wonder if you really want them there, or if they’re an afterthought.

And the worst case — they feel like they’re just an employee and not a person who’s important, because if they were important, they would’ve had a much different experience when they arrived. 

Whether or not you manage people at work, I encourage you to put this wheel of nine high-trust behaviors in a place where you will see it every day.

Trust takes work and conscious effort. And it’s required to create a great place to work for all.

Become great

Ready to learn more about your employee experience? Benchmark your organization using Certification™ and see how you stack against the very best.


Michael C. Bush

Michael Bush is CEO of Great Place to Work®. Driven by a love of business and an unwavering commitment to fair and equitable treatment, Michael joined Great Place to Work as CEO in 2015, bringing 30 years of experience leading and growing organizations. Previously, he was CEO of Tetra Tech Communications, a billion-dollar global telecommunications infrastructure firm and was a member of President Obama’s White House Business Council. He earned his M.S. in Management from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

5 Inspiring Ways to Share Employee Stories on Social Media

by Great Place To Work® UK

Why employee stories should be part of your employer branding strategy plus real company examples for sharing them with maximum impact.

What was your company’s latest social media post? Was it about your product? Or was it about your people?

How often do you feature employee stories on your social media? (If you do it at all.)

As any marketer knows, social media is one of the most important tools in their kit, providing instant reach to an audience in real time. And yet, while millions of businesses have social media accounts, two critical factors are too often overlooked:

  1. Social media is social, meaning it’s meant to be a two-way conversation, not a broadcast
  2. Marketing your people and values is just as important as marketing your goods and services

Why you should feature employee stories on social media

Sharing employee stories on social media shows potential job candidates what they can expect from your company culture. It’s also cost-effective and possible with a dispersed team.

More consumers want their money going to companies they feel align with their values. In fact, a 2021 study by Toluna/Harris Interactive and KuRunData found that:

  • 79% of consumers prefer buying from brands with aligned values
  • 68% have stopped supporting brands that don’t align with their personal values

That alignment also applies to employees, who are increasingly seeking out workplaces that fit their values. Which is why featuring employee stories on your social media is so important. Sharing employee stories on social media is a way to showcase your company culture and values and attract customers and potential hires alike.

But how do you share employee stories in a way that’s authentic and engaging?

Here are five ways to feature employee stories on social media that will work for remote and in-person workplaces, starring examples from Certified™ great workplaces around the globe.

How to share employee stories on social media

1. Employee social media take-overs

Hand your account(s) over to your employees and let them speak for themselves. That could be something like a “day in the life” on TikTok, an interactive Twitter chat, or an Instagram ‘Ask Me Anything.’

Of course, blindly giving the reins of your brand accounts may not fly with your PR and communications team. But if the employee and the marketing team collaborate on the message, you can come up with some creative and authentic employee stories. Best Workplace Version 1, for example, have shared “day in the life” videos of employees like Amardeep, which give a glimpse into what working there is like.

Version 1 Day in The Life

 

2. Participate in theme days for maximum reach

Global theme days (or even themed weeks or months) are a social media gold mine. Not only do they supply you with a focused content topic, but they enable you to take part in a worldwide conversation and reach more people.

Days like Employee Appreciation Day, Certification Nation Day or World Mental Health Day are perfect times to show off how your workplace is making the world better – especially when you can connect those themes directly to your employees’ stories.

For example, check out how Edrington UK honoured the women on its team for International Women’s Day, through a fun video highlighting why each woman had been nominated for recognition.

sharing employee stories on social media Erdington

 

3. Think beyond the workplace

Great workplaces recognise that their employees have lives beyond the office. While it’s great (and encouraged!) to praise employees for their hard work, why not extend that and shout out some of the amazing things they’re doing outside of work?

Maybe you have an employee who volunteers with a charity, or who has a fascinating hobby, or a talent beyond their 9-to-5. Show off the personality of your people and in doing so, you’ll convey how your business puts its people first. Aer Studios, for example, welcomed a new employee to the team with a fun ‘two truths and a lie’ post.

aer studios two truths and a lie

 

4. Share your stats for transparency

If done right, numbers can be very eye-catching on social media. If done wrong, they’re just another boring statistic.

When it comes to social media, think visual: graphs or infographics that are easy to read at a quick glance. And be selective with which numbers you want to present.

Tap into the stats that truly set your company apart, whether that’s:

  • how many women you have in leadership positions
  • how your salaries compare to the competition
  • how your employees answered your latest pulse survey.

For example, Health & Care Management Ltd used a graphic of one of their employee survey stats to show off how and why they achieved Great Place To Work Certification.

hcml stat
 

5. Jump on trends for playful posts

If you’re stuck for ideas, why not try taking a look at what’s trending? From TikTok audios to Instagram buzzwords, there’s plenty of ways to adapt current trends for your organisations’ socials – like Signable, part of Domo Group, who shared their ‘office icks’ in a fun video for Instagram

signable office icks

21 Ideas To Celebrate and Promote Your Company Culture Award

 Promote your company culture award is depicted with two employees standing over a dessert stand. They're looking at cupcakes.

Brilliant ideas for promoting your company culture award inspired by how Certified™ great workplaces celebrate their workplace recognition.

Did you recently become Great Place To Work® Certified™ or named a Best Workplaces™winner?  It’s time to tell the world that you’ve created a company culture worth celebrating!

Seeking positive ways to identify and promote company culture is one of the most powerful tools you have. Too few companies take the time to align smart, inclusive company culture ideas to their business growth strategies, but you’ve done it. Now’s the time to share and recognize this amazing achievement. Go ahead, tell the world you’ve earned Great Place To Work Certification™.

Company culture award and its significance


A company culture award honors your organizational drive to build and sustain an exceptional work environment for employees. It demonstrates your company’s ability to create the values, beliefs, and practices necessary to support staff well-being, growth, and satisfaction. You’ve shown a true commitment to advancing a workplace where employees can flourish both personally and professionally.

Importance of promoting company culture and its impact

Your company culture award isn’t just for show – it has the ability to positively impact your organization. Actively promoting this hard-earned distinction will notably enhance employee engagement, whether it’s by sharing highlight reels on social media or hosting celebratory virtual events for remote workers. When employees see external validation of their workplace, they feel a sense of pride and belonging.

They become more motivated and loyal. A strong company culture also plays a crucial role in boosting productivity. By highlighting your award in newsletters and press releases, you showcase exactly how your organization values and invests in employee well-being. This fosters trust and encourages collaboration, empowering your workforce to bring their best selves every day. The result? Increased efficiency, cohesive teamwork, and improved performance.

Fostering belonging and teamwork among employees

A strong sense of belonging and teamwork not only improves employee satisfaction and morale but also heightens productivity and collaboration. When employees feel they are truly part of a supportive team, they are more likely to thrive. They’ll go the extra mile, share knowledge, and support each other’s success.


Choosing a platform to celebrate

When it comes to celebrating your company culture award, there are many options to communicate your win. A formal press release to mainstream news outlets and specialized trade publications shines attention on your workplace. A website blog is an excellent way to highlight many of the essential employees who make your organization an ideal place to work. Online celebrations are a jovial way to mark this award. (Pro tip: We recommend doing them all!)

Press releases

Companies use press releases as a strategic communication tool to disseminate important announcements. They effectively spread your expertly crafted message to a wide audience that includes the media, stakeholders, customers, and the general
public. Here are key reasons why press releases play a critical role in sharing your award news:

● Media visibility: Press releases are designed to catch the attention of journalists and media outlets.

● Controlled messaging: These releases also allow your company to shape and control the narrative surrounding your news.

● Timely communication: Press releases enable your organization to deliver time-sensitive information efficiently.

● Stakeholder engagement: Beyond the media, press releases are a great way to communicate with stakeholders, including your investors, employees, partners, and customers.

● SEO and online visibility: Press releases distributed through online platforms can improve your company’s search engine optimization (SEO) visibility.

● Brand building: When you consistently share positive news and updates through press releases, you also build and reinforce your organization’s brand image.

Promote it in a newsletter

A newsletter is another valuable communication tool for sharing company news such as culture awards. Its ability to deliver targeted and frequent updates directly engages with a receptive audience. Here’s why you should share your major win in a newsletter:

● Targeted distribution: Newsletters allow your company to reach a specific audience that already has opted in to receive such emails.

● Engagement and attention: Subscribers to your newsletter are more likely to be interested and perhaps involved in your company’s activities.

● Consistent communication: Newsletters provide a platform for regular and dependable communication. This is especially critical when you have an ongoing updates about company culture, awards, achievements, and other developments.

● Brand building: A well-tailored newsletter reinforces your company’s brand identity and values.

● Detailed information: Newsletters offer a chance for in-depth coverage of company news compared to shorter announcements and promotions.

● Visual appeal: You can incorporate dynamic graphics, images, and even videos to dramatically present your culture award in a newsletter.

● Two-way communication: Newsletters should include calls-to-action, such as feedback surveys or links to social media. This is an easy and efficient way to get the recipients involved. Have them share their thoughts and connect with your company’s content to build a sense of community.

● Data insights: Many newsletter platforms provide analytics that track email open rates, click-through rates, and other engagement metrics. This data helps your company understand which content resonates most with your audience, so you can adjust future newsletters accordingly.

● Internal alignment: For larger organizations, a newsletter spotlighting company achievements can bring together various teams and departments. It effectively imparts information that aligns with the company’s culture and accomplishments.

Promote your company culture award on a blog

A website blog plays a crucial role in shaping your company culture and highlighting this award with a wider audience. You completely control its content and tone while sharing important news about your organization. Here’s why a company-sponsored blog is vital to molding your employer brand:

● Detailed coverage: A blog post allows for in-depth coverage of your company culture award.

● SEO benefits: Publishing a thoughtful blog post on your organization’s website can improve search engine optimization.

● Permanent record: A blog post serves as a permanent record of your company’s achievements.

● Shareability: Blog posts are easily shareable across social media platforms, email newsletters, and other communication channels.

● Engagement and interaction: Blog readers love to post comments. Having them share their thoughts, congratulations, and questions can cultivate community.

● Storytelling: A blog post provides an opportunity to tell the captivating story behind your culture award.

● Media and press reference: A thorough and informative blog post can serve as a source of inspiration for journalists and bloggers interested in covering the award.

● Educational content: Beyond just announcing the award, a blog post can educate its audience about how your company’s culture, values, and initiatives contributed to the win.

● Internal communication: Sharing the blog post internally keeps all employees informed about the award and your company’s recognition.

Virtual celebration ideas

Reinforce a positive work environment by hosting virtual events for remote workers to celebrate their company culture award. Assembling your team for a happy occasion can boost morale and camaraderie, which leads to stronger social support and connection among remote employees. Put these five ideas in action to make your online celebrations memorable:

● Virtual awards ceremony: Host a virtual event dedicated to the company culture award. Gather all team members on a video conference and have senior leaders or managers present the award. Share the significance of your award, the criteria for winning, and highlight the values it represents.

● Personalized video messages: Ask your team to record short video messages commemorating the award or expressing what company culture means to them. Compile these videos into a heartwarming montage that can be played during a virtual meeting or shared on the company’s communication platform.

● Interactive virtual workshop: Coordinate a virtual workshop or training session related to the core values of your company culture. It can focus on teamwork, communication, or any other relevant topic. This not only celebrates the award, but also reinforces the culture you’re celebrating.

● Virtual culture wall: Create a virtual culture wall where team members can post messages, images, and videos that celebrate your award and company culture. This can be set up on your company’s intranet or collaboration platform, providing a digital space for sharing appreciation and memories.

● Virtual team-building activity: Plan a team-building activity that aligns with the company culture and award. Think virtual escape room, collaborative art project, or online scavenger hunt. This allows team members to be active participants while strengthening their workplace bonds.

Record these moments and reveal them on social media!

Social media channels

Social media is essential to sharing important news about your company culture award. It rapidly and widely disseminates information, engages with various audiences, and amplifies the positive impact of your award. Here’s why you should use social media:

● Instant reach: Share your good news immediately and globally. With just a few clicks, information about your culture award can reach a vast audience that includes employees, stakeholders, customers, partners, and the general public.

● Engagement: Directly interact with your audience through social media platforms. People can like, comment, share, and engage with your post, which builds community and allows your company to quickly respond to congratulatory messages and inquiries.

● Viral potential: If your culture award news resonates with an audience, it has the potential to go viral. When you share news on social media, it can reach an even broader audience than intended. This creates buzz and raises visibility.

● Visual impact: Social media strongly supports visual content, such as images and videos. Share images of your award ceremony, employees celebrating, or interview snippets for greater impact.

● Storytelling: Social media invites creative storytelling. Use short captions, hashtags, and multimedia elements to reveal the story behind the award. Highlight the individuals who contributed to it.

● Brand reputation: Reinforce a positive employer brand reputation through upbeat news about your culture award. Maximize social media to show the ways your company values its employees, recognizes their efforts, and is committed to creating a positive work environment.

● Employee morale: Celebrate your culture award on social media to boost goodwill among employees. Your team will feel appreciated and proud to be part of an organization that receives worldwide company recognition for its culture and values.

● Transparency: Showcase your company’s achievements in a public space to build trust and community with customers and stakeholders. Sharing your culture award on social media demonstrates authenticity.

● Real-time updates: Social media gives you the ability to update in real time and go live with award festivities. Keep your audience engaged and involved in your company’s activities as they unfold.

● Cross-promotion: Social media also makes it easy to cross-promote related content, such as blog posts, press releases, and videos about the culture award. This creates a comprehensive and interconnected communication strategy.

21 social media celebration examples

Over the years, we’ve seen Certified workplaces share the news with their teams (and the world) in creative, memorable ways. Here are some of our favorites to inspire your own celebration and recruiting efforts.

1. Start from the top 

Show employees (and prospective hires) that workplace culture is one of your company’s highest priorities. Film a congratulatory message from your CEO or collect quotes from various levels of management.

Remember to share these both internally and externally, You want your team to get a morale boost and potential job candidates to see that you’ve put in the work to create a great workplace.

21 ideas to promote your company culture award Mr Cooper

2. Surprise and delight

If your employees work on-site, celebrate them as they enter on the day of the announcement. Decorate the office, hang signs celebrating the win, and ask your top leaders to greet and thank employees at the door. You could even roll out a red carpet and create a step-and-repeat with a photographer for the occasion.

3. Get social with #GPTW and #GPTWCertified

Tell the world about your big win and what makes your company amazing. We can even send you a celebration kit with balloons, stickers, and more to celebrate your company culture.

4. Let your employees do the talking

Don’t limit your celebration-sharing to executives – get the whole team involved! Here’s a great example from AvidXchange, who celebrated by creating a fun group GIF of employees posing. Help job seekers see that employees are proud to be a part of your organization and excited to celebrate your achievements together.
21 ideas to promote your company culture award asurion

5. Go old-school social

When you’re thinking social, don’t stop at social media. Host a happy hour, throw a party, or provide free lunch for employees. 

A few years ago, CHG Healthcare marked 10 years of recognition by bringing their people together for a thank-you from their CEO, along with games and prizes, including “spin the wheel of good fortune,” rolling giant dice and Plinko.

6. Tap into technology

If you have employees working hybrid or fully remote, don’t forget to include them in the celebrations. Use the technology you’re already using to host a happy hour, cocktail-making class, or live concert over Zoom, like ALKU did during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns.

7. Provide giveaways

Everyone loves swag! Develop custom swag items so employees can boast about their workplace. Mugs, pins, stickers and notebooks are popular. You can also get creative – Cadence handed out foam fingers!

8. Create culture cookies

Commemorate earning your recognition as a great place to work with branded cookies. One company we work with sent out 14,000 cookies to ensure partners and customers knew they had earned such an accolade.

9. Give the gift of time 

A great way to say thank you is to offer employees some extra time to pause, relax, and take in what they’ve accomplished. So, give your employees an extra day of PTO — they’ve earned it. Some companies close early on the day of the announcement and encourage employees to celebrate with family and colleagues.

10. Offer a financial reward

If your budget allows it, honor your employees’ hard work with a pay raise or financial bonus. In our own research of workplaces across the country, Gen Z ranked better minimum wage and increased hourly pay as their number one factor in ranking an employer as a great place to work.

11. Reward the whole self (and their household)

A great workplace encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work. And with so many employees continuing to work from home, the crossover between home life and work life has never been so intertwined. Invite employees’ families to be part of the celebrations or send them a card or small gift in the mail.

12. Celebrate in your job ads

Add GPTW branding and messaging to your job postings on social media and on your careers page to up your recruiting game.

21 Ideas To Celebrate and Promote Your Company Culture Award

13. Launch an outdoor ad campaign

Earning Certification or a Best Workplace designation is a brag-worthy achievement. Ensure your office neighbors know they’re in the presence of greatness with a billboard announcement or other signage near your major locations.

Ideas to promote your company culture award DHL

14. Email your customers

If you have a customer database that you send marketing emails to, send them the ultimate piece of employer branding: your company culture award.

Your workplace award is a big win for your employer branding. And these days, customers weigh a company’s values and its treatment of its people in their buying decisions. Show your customers that you treat your employees as well as you treat them.

21 ideas to promote your company culture award Kimpton

15. Update your company profiles

It may seem like a little thing, but it will make a big impact when job seekers come looking for you. Ensure that your company boilerplate and all your company profiles (Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) mention that you are Certified or a Best Workplace. And while you’re at it, update business cards and email signatures, too.

16. Start spreading the news

A press release, like this one from DuPont, is a reliable way to get the word out about your achievement. Highlighting your Certification in a release helps media outlets find out about it and demonstrates that you value your culture just as highly as you value other aspects of the business.

21 ideas to promote your company culture award Mattel.png

17. Show your stats

Everybody enjoys showing off a great score. Your employee surveys generate a ton of quantitative data, and if you’ve earned Certification, you know those numbers are impressive. So show them off!

21 ideas to promote your company culture award Voya

18. Share stories throughout the year

Invite a different employee to open all hands-meetings with a short speech about why the company is a great place to work for them personally. Hearing directly from employees will reiterate the message that your goal is to create and maintain a great workplace for all.

19. Send your culture leaders to Summit 

Managers can make or break a company culture. Got amazing culture leaders in your organization? Thank them and keep them engaged by sending them to our For All™ Summit

They’ll learn from other passionate business leaders and bring back fresh ideas to take your workplace to the next level.  

20. Know your why

Great workplaces don’t happen by accident. Behind the Certification and any other accolades you’ve earned, there’s a story. What is it about your workplace that makes employees excited to come to work, proud to stay? Sharing employee stories on social media can be a compelling, credible way to attract talented job candidates who are considering where to make their next career move.

Teleperformance, a Certified workplace in the United Kingdom, showcased one employee’s story as an example of why people choose to join and stay.

21 ideas to promote your company culture award raven

21. Rally for next year

While everyone is celebrating this year’s win, let employees know that there is always room for improvement. Continue the success by following up with an action plan soon. Greatness never rests.

There are so many ways to celebrate the unique and amazing culture you’ve created, and these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. We can’t wait to see the creative ways you celebrate your company culture award!

Claire Hastwell

Claire Hastwell

As the Content Program Manager at Great Place To Work, Claire helps decode the psychology behind high-trust workplaces using Great Place To Work’s extensive data repository on employee experience. Claire has co-authored noted reports such as “Women in the Workplace” and “The Power of Purpose at Work,” and contributed to Fortune with her profiles of the Best Workplaces™. Her latest white paper draws on three decades of employee survey data to give HR leaders strategic guidance on nurturing trust, inclusivity, and growth within their organizations.