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Meet the 2024 Top Inspiring Workplaces Judges: Misty J. Oratokhai Esq.

IW: We’re delighted to be joined by one of our judges for the Top Inspiring Workplaces 2024: Misty J. Oratokhai Esq. Firstly, What does an Inspiring Workplace mean to you?

Inspiring Workplaces represents the evolution of the employee experience. From its inception it has provided a platform for employee engagement on a level where it had not existed, elevating the employee engagement function to one of a strategic nature that resulted in organizations understanding that investing in people is not fluff but has a significant ROI and is required for companies that want to remain relevant.

IW: You’re a judge for the Top Inspiring Workplaces 2024. What do you hope to see in the entries?

I hope to see creativity and innovation. I am interested in seeing companies that dug deeper to find out what motivates their workforce, those that created novel concepts. Culture shifts based upon engagement. Programming and strategic planning that was intentional in taking an inclusive approach to creating the ideal work environment where everyone feels part of the fabric of the organization.

IW: Following on from that, What are three areas of focus for organizations looking to improve the people experience?

Creating an environment of trust by being genuine and transparent.
Credibility – showing employees that the leadership team is invested for the right reasons not because it is expected – a sense of authenticity in caring about the human condition in the workplace.
Inclusivity – listening to the multitude of voices within the organization. Understanding that each individual is motivated differently.

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?

Emotional Intelligence

IW: What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

Snap out of it! Remember who you are. My father, Ernest H. Johnson, Jr.

IW: What’s your advice on how best to engage remote teams?

Continuously create opportunities for teambuilding, including remote retreats that are interactive. Engage in regular checks-in (one-on-one meetings, team meetings). Create as many chances for collaboration as possible. Continue reward and recognize publicly and individually. Craft in-person meet-ups when possible – combining work and fun.

IW: We are a big believer that fostering psychological safety is an organisational imperative. Do you agree and if so, why?

Absolutely. People who feel marginalized, belittled or unsafe in their work environment cannot thrive. Their growth, creativity and contributions are stunted. These environments become poisonous and result in the creation of a culture where abuse is the rule rather than the exception. Psychological safety in the workplace is equally as important as physical safety.

IW: 4-Day week – Yes or No?

Yes. If we have learned anything from the hybrid and remote work, created by necessity from the pandemic, it is that alternative work schedules (“AWS”) can be successful in a multitude of environments.

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?

By being inclusive. In the past employers could afford a generic methodology of engaging the workforce and expecting their employees to accept whatever they gave them. The new workforce, regardless of generation, have come to expect more of employers – they want their desires for the optimal workplace met. Employers that want to retain their talent must be creative and provide diverse offerings, driving by data. Employee input will drive meeting those expectations.

Flexibility, Experiential Professional Development,

IW: As a leader how do you empower your people and create a sense of belief and belonging within your culture?

Tap into their superpowers. Help them see the extent of their skills and talents by stretching them with assignments they may believe are beyond their scope. Creating an inclusive, collaborative space where everyone’s ideas are respected and put to use in one way or another.

A Fun ones to end! Favourite film, album, best song to get you motivated at work, and best place you’ve ever visited and your biggest inspiration:

Favourite film: The Godfather
Favourite Album: I’m Not Dead – Pink
Best song to get you motivated at work: All I Do is Win – DJ Khalid
Best place you have ever visited: It’s a tie Lagos/Paris
Your biggest inspiration: Creating opportunities for change that positively impacts the lives of others.