Why staff potential and wellbeing are fundamental to our culture
What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘Human Resources’? Typically, people think of the department that manages recruitment, policies and procedures – that keeps people in line and the organisation on the right side of employment law.
We set out to change this perception of human resources as an issue that needs managing by replacing it with an ethos centred on valuing individuals and their contribution to our organisation. Maybe it’s a bit of a cliché, but we think that our people are our organisation: they live and breathe our culture and values every day through their work with the people they support. Our people are not something to be ‘managed’, rather they deserve to be listened to, respected as professionals with skills and knowledge and given the autonomy they need to do what they know is right.
Emerging Futures works with vulnerable people with complex needs, many of whom are marginalised and excluded from much that most of us take for granted. We respect their individuality and diversity and our asset-based approach seeks to identify and nurture their inherent strengths to create positive and sustainable behaviour change. We have applied this same thinking to our relationship with our staff.
Health and wellbeing as a cultural standard
Many of our staff have lived experience of the circumstances that affect our clients. This brings enormous value to their work. They are passionate and driven but they also need specialist skills and competencies to work effectively. Supporting our people is not about ‘managing’ them but about investing in them as individuals, guiding their personal and professional development so they can flourish and grow and achieve their potential. This certainly involves training plans and processes and policies, but it is also about developing a culture that nurtures the health and wellbeing of the whole person: we take the time to ask people how they are not just what have they done.
Establishing this people-centred approach across our organisation involves open and honest engagement with our people. We ask about their experiences, listen to their feedback and really try to understand what they need to thrive both now and in the future.
Valuing our people
By investing in the development of our people as people (not resources), we aim to provide a positive and respectful working culture in which everyone is valued and recognised. Our people know they can grow and thrive in their roles and progress their careers in a nurturing and rewarding environment.
