Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1527945
FALL 2024 • THE ASSINIBOIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 21 human-centred approach This focus on personal and interperson- al skills can also help to build a healthier workplace culture. Doerksen added that manager training requires more emphasis since managers are often the most influential people in a team's culture and have a huge impact on employees' engagement levels. This training could include practical skills for team building, coaching, group facilitation, process design, and communication. "Growth and development continues to be one of the top factors for why Millen- nials and Gen Z choose an employer," he noted. "There continues to be an increased focus on skills and away from traditional credentials like degrees." More than just a trend, hybrid work environments are proving to have staying power post-pandemic, and work-from- home rates have remained fairly stable since 2022. "Leaders need to adjust current pro- cesses, onboarding and expecta- tions to accommodate for this. The key to engagement on this topic comes down to choice," Doerksen said. "Additionally, the four-day work week is quickly becoming a top sought-after benefit." Overall, designing workplaces that support health and well-being is more than just a trend; rather, it's a longer-term societal paradigm shift. "In some ways, we're still struggling to change the paradigms of the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago," he said. "We're supporting a trajectory and move- ment of human-centred organizational design that has taken a century to ramp up and which will shape many generations to come." Looking ahead, organizations should work towards becoming more flexible and adaptive. At the same time, they will need to examine larger systemic and structural barriers—such as rigid hierarchies, perfor- mance management systems, and manag- er-concentrated power and influence—to create a better workplace. "We believe the best workplaces will win," Doerksen said. "Those who ignore these shifts will increasingly struggle to attract and retain the best workers." Daniel Doerksen, Director of Training and Consulting (Submitted) The goal is to engage people's hearts and minds to create better organizations and a better society. Daniel Doerksen, Director of Training and Consulting