The Perfect Workplace Can Be Yours - Careers in Government

The Perfect Workplace Can Be Yours

S. Chris Edmonds is a sought-after speaker, author, and executive consultant. He’s the founder and CEO of The Purposeful Culture Group, which he launched in 1990. Chris helps senior leaders build and sustain purposeful, positive, productive work cultures. He is the author or co-author of seven books, including Amazon bestsellers Good Comes First (2021) with Mark Babbitt, The Culture Engine (2014), and Leading at a Higher Level (2008) with Ken Blanchard.

A healthy work culture does not happen by default; it happens by design. I am inspired and fascinated by senior leaders who love their people! Such leaders create purposeful, positive, productive work cultures. This example rolls up in a little red wagon.

Radio Flyer is a more-than-100-year-old Chicago-based manufacturer of children’s red wagons, tricycles, scooters, and ride-ons.

Employees, known as Flyers, have rated Radio Flyer as one of the top companies to work for with a perfect 5.0 score on Glassdoor’s five-point scale Working at Radio Flyer | Glassdoor. Recently, Glassdoor showed 100% of Flyers approve of the CEO, and 99% of employees would
recommend Radio Flyer as a good place to work. These ratings earn the company recognition on Glassdoor’s best companies to work for list.

Two colleagues stand in a modern office with glass walls, engaged in a work-related discussion. One, a woman with curly hair, smiles while the other, a man with glasses and a beard, holds a tablet. Both appear to be analyzing or sharing information on the device.

A group of five colleagues stands around a laptop in a modern office with large windows and warm lighting. They appear to be engaged in positive and animated work-related discussions. The office features contemporary furniture and potted plants, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A healthy work culture does not happen by default; it happens by design.

CHRIS EDMONDS

The company has also earned a recent Great Place to Work certification. Radio Flyer Inc. Great Place to Work® Again, 100% of employees rated Radio Flyer a Great Place to Work on
that platform’s Trust Index. That speaks volumes; they are doing something worth recreating in other organizations.

What makes an organization get such high ratings, and how can that cross into any workplace?
– Investment in employee growth
– Policies that show the organization cares about employee well-being
– Transparency from senior leaders
– Leading by example
– Efforts to create an enjoyable and positive work environment
– Appreciation for employees using creativity in problem solving
– Communication especially during challenging times.

The mission and values of organizations like Radio Flyer are clearly stated. More importantly, senior leaders inspire daily demonstration of those behaviors by every Flyer. Consistent,
respectful treatment, with senior leaders serving their team members kindly in every interaction, creates a calm environment, credibility among leadership, and greater contributions overall.