12th January 2024
Meet the 2024 Top Inspiring Workplaces Judges: Karin Volo
IW: We’re delighted to be joined by one of our judges for the Top Inspiring Workplaces 2024: Karin Volo. Firstly, What does an Inspiring Workplace mean to you?
It’s a place where people thrive at work and feel they are truly reaching their potential because it feels good to be there!
IW: You’re a judge for the Top Inspiring Workplaces 2024. What do you hope to see in the entries?
I’m always looking to read solid examples, concrete metrics, and great stories that make it easy to understand and feel the company culture even just from the brief descriptions
IW: Following on from that, What are three areas of focus for organizations looking to improve the people experience?
Definitely having a clearly defined bigger purpose, a high level of trust, and then leaders who truly care about their people. Those are some of the foundational aspects of an Inspiring Workplace.
IW: Leadership plays a huge role in everything we’ve just spoken about. What do you think is the most important quality in a leader?
Leadership made a seismic shift with the global pandemic. Now it’s about leaders who truly care and have more of a coaching style where they help their teams develop.
IW: What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
What’s coming to mind now (there are so many to choose from!!) is “your opinion of me is none of my business” from The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz—learning this one eliminates 90% of drama from life!
IW: What’s your advice on how best to engage remote teams?
Build both structure and connection on a daily basis so it’s a part of the routines for the team
IW: We are a big believer that fostering psychological safety is an organisational imperative. Do you agree and if so, why?
Yes of course this is important because it creates a workplace of trust and openness. It reduces a toxic environment and in the long run mental health issues.
IW: 4-Day week – Yes or No?
Definitely see us heading this way, especially with the advent of AI and more technologies coming. I think it helps people be focused but then also giving them a balance with their family and life, which in the end helps them be more productive at work. Of course if there is a deadline or crisis, people should be willing to step up as well when needed.
IW: There will be more generations in the workplace than ever before. Each with its own expectations and needs from an employer. How do you try to fulfil all of them?
Focus on the four pillars of culture, purpose, trust and leaders who care, the rest will fall into place. You can’t fulfil everyone but people will be attracted to the culture that suits them, regardless of their age.
IW: To say we’ve seen a lot of change in the past three years would be an understatement. We want you to get your crystal ball out and predict what will be the top priorities for people choosing an employer over the next 5 years?
I still think culture will be vital but I have a sense that large global mega companies may be a dying breed. I see things going more local or regional than global.
IW: As a leader how do you empower your people and create a sense of belief and belonging within your culture?
Leaders need to “walk the talk” and lead by example in all that they do. Then it’s a matter of communication and connecting on a deeper level to their teams, to show that they do care about each person as an individual.
IW: A fun one to end! Your biggest inspiration?
My daughters!
