What is “the purpose?” That’s the question that Emmy Negrin believes every organization should prioritize in order to have proper motivation and overall business success. In our latest episode of #AlwaysLearning LinkedIn Live Emmy Negrin, Head of Inclusion, Diversity and Purpose at Discord and Dr. Leann Pereira, Senior Director of Organizational Psychology at Emtrain discuss why purpose is so important in running a successful organization and creating a productive and engaged team.
Why is Purpose so Important?
Negrin explains that when you are trying to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, it’s important to focus on the internal programs, processes, systems, and approaches. Creating an organization with DEI at the forefront of everything that is done, promotes an overall atmosphere and sets the tone for inclusion and acceptance in general. Negrin then says that this internal environment directly impacts external factors, such as societal issues and current events, which should be approached holistically. Ultimately, there should be a balanced focus on the organization’s environment for employees and the impact that your organization makes in society. Both should stem from the question of “what is the purpose?”
“For me, it’s really thinking about what can your organization uniquely solve in this world and creating partnerships and programs that unlock that,” says Negrin. Offering society a unique product or service that employees and leaders are passionate about is the purpose and the motivation to work. Finding other organizations or non-profits to partner with and building them authentically and organically push your organization to success.
How Can Organizations Start this Process?
There are three strategic pillars that organizations should start with to orchestrate this process. The first pillar is the workforce, which is who your organization is attracting and recruiting new talent. The second pillar is workplace, which is the work environment that an organization creates, including employee experience and internal atmosphere. Lastly, the third pillar is the marketplace. The marketplace refers to external programs and partnerships. These three pillars are essentially a balance between focusing on the internal environment, societal impact, and authentic connections.
Furtherly, Negrin says it works best as a top down and bottom up collaboration. By finding leaders or speaking with employee resource groups (ERGs) about a cause they’re passionate about can get the ball rolling. Usually, having people discuss topics they are passionate about can also help create change and be the push needed to create a bigger impact throughout the organization.
Impact on Employee Engagement and Productivity
Negrin explains that new talent and hires today are interested in working for purpose-driven companies and making a difference in the world. When they are interviewing for positions, they are really looking for companies that can provide them a place to do this and work towards having a positive impact on society. As an organization, incorporating purpose and focusing on internal and external impact leads to better employee engagement and productivity. When people feel as though they are making a difference, they are more motivated to put in the time and energy into work. Negrin says “it’s so much beyond what you’re getting paid and the benefits, it’s what is this company actually doing in this world, what are we actually solving? ”In today’s social climate, employees want to know they are making a difference, which is the driving force for many. Therefore, by having a purpose and base of authentically wanting to make a difference as an organization, you’re setting your business up for success.
This is how purpose leads to workplace success, it is at the root of what makes employees engaged and motivated. With the change in the workforce, organizations should consider implementing a purpose into the core values the actions they take as a company. To make this change possible, it’s important to make sure everyone feels they are able to speak up and share their ideas. Take our microlesson that teaches how to create space for everyone and how to have inclusive meetings.
