The Challenge
Our client was a large state Government department faced with high absenteeism and increasing staff turnover. While management could identify the symptoms of their issues; a deeper understanding of the root cause remained evasive.
Challenges facing the department included:
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Increasing level of absenteeism;
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Increasing conflict amongst project teams;
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Declining morale; and
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Declining accountability and leadership skills.
Our Solution
Our approach was to undertake a needs analysis and internal evaluation survey to identify the root cause of the team issues. The results were compiled and presented back to the department leadership team to create a broad acceptance and facilitated solution development process.
A Leadership Workshop was conducted to develop:
- Clearly identified roles and responsibilities;
- Increased face-to-face interactions versus e-mail communication methodologies;
- Open dialogue focusing on personal and shared values;
- Create a culture that focuses on gains rather than losses;
- Implement department communication strategy to disseminate news; and
- Recognise and reward individual and team achievement strategy.
Results Delivered
Senior management reported back within a week that the workshop had an immediate result on morale and accountability. The increased face-to-face interaction and open dialogue about shared values began to create a common vision and improved accountability at all levels. They immediately changed their focus to what was working well and a newsletter was implemented and instrumental in creating a more positive workplace culture.
Monitored results:
- Absenteeism reduced by 21%;
- Employee satisfaction increased by 37%