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Understanding the lived experience of personnel - Understanding
Understanding the lived experience of personnel

CLIMATE ASSESSMENT

There is widespread consensus that climate fundamentally forms the DNA of the organisation and can significantly influence employee performance and attitude. In fact, research has shown that a better workplace climate not only makes people more motivated, it can improve bottom-line performance too — by up to a staggering 30%.

On-line surveys are commonly used to ascertain climate.  However, progressive organisations carry out more in depth climate assessments running focus groups to provide a candid assessment of the culture, by understanding the lived experience of all.   It specifically involves seeking out the perceptions of staff in relation to a range of factors that might affect productivity, ethics, morale, communication, progression and values.  The assessment provides an opportunity for individuals to share their views in a confidential, impartial environment.

Why do we need them?

Ultimately, a detailed assessment will enable the leadership of the organisation to optimise their human resource.  It will highlight key issues and actions for progress; these could be to increase the level of staff satisfaction, address staff retention and recruitment issues, optimise resources and ensure the wellbeing of staff and the organisation as a whole.   It also aims to provide a platform to initiate change as necessary in the organisation.

How does it help?

Ultimately, a detailed assessment will enable the leadership of the organisation to optimise their human resource. The assessment studies all the different dimensions of the workforce such as their commitment, communication skills and general culture. It also aims to provide a platform to initiate change as necessary in the organisation.

CLIMATE ASSESSMENT TRAINING

We run training courses designed to equip participants with facilitation, assessment and reporting skills to run focus groups that create an encouraging and impartial environment, allowing staff to confidently articulate their honest views, lived experiences and opinions on a range of themes to ascertain the ‘climate’ of their organisation.

Some aspects of the assessment could be related to:

Organisational culture:  This has a profound effect on health and wellbeing of employees.  It is directly linked to satisfaction and morale. An assessment will demonstrate whether your staff are aligned to the organisations values and committed to the goals of the business.
Leadership styles: All leaders should be exemplar role models and torch bearers of the values and standards set by the organisation. So establishing how they are perceived and respected by staff provides a useful insight into what is interpreted as being acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
Diversity and inclusion: Individuals who feel valued are better able to perform to their potential. Does the organisation encourage diverse talent and ensure individuals have equal opportunities in terms of progression and development? A negative perception can affect the organisation, while a positive perception helps morale.