Strategies for Enhancing Work Environment as Discussed by Heather Chastain
Heather Chastain, the Global Chief of Strategy at Shackley, has climbed the corporate ladder, stopping at every opportunity to learn and grow. Her strategic insights have transformed workplaces, and her latest focus is on cultivating a thriving company culture.
- Promote Physical and Mental Wellness
Chastain suggests sending out a 'Take a Walk' company-wide meeting invite to encourage breaks and value team members' physical and mental wellness. She emphasizes the importance of good nutrition and healthy eating habits as part of a caring company culture.
- Create a Culture of Serving Others
Chastain encourages companies to provide paid time off for team members to volunteer at their favourite charity. This not only supports the community but also unites the team around a common goal.
- Organise Community Events
Organising donation events or collection drives can help unite the team and celebrate the impact they are making. These events can also help in strengthening the bond between team members and the community.
- Encourage Mindfulness
Chastain recommends group breathing exercises during breaks to create a sense of embodied unity. Spending time in a garden can be a great way to cool off and regroup during a stressful day, promoting mindfulness and mental health.
- Empower with Knowledge
Chastain suggests providing information about how food affects the functioning of the mind and body to promote healthy habits. This knowledge empowers team members to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle.
- Prioritise Clear and Frequent Communication
Chastain stresses the importance of clear and frequent communication in creating a great work environment. Monthly social get-togethers can help build and maintain connections within the company.
- Celebrate Accomplishments
Chastain recommends celebrating team members for both big and small accomplishments to foster a sense of belonging. This recognition can boost morale and motivate team members to strive for even greater success.
- Stay Connected
Chastain suggests finding new ways to stay connected with team members, including weekly updates and touchpoints. This regular communication helps maintain a strong team spirit, even in remote work settings.
- Follow the Golden Rule
Chastain recommends treating everyone as you want to be treated as the golden rule for a positive work environment. Leading with empathy and understanding can foster a culture of respect and collaboration.
- Create a Unified Work Environment
Chastain emphasizes the importance of a work environment being united by a common goal and focus. She recommends organising a special space within the workplace to lift up the team and provide thoughtful options for enhancing the team's experience.
To find more about Heather Chastain's strategies for growing workplace culture, you can look for interviews, articles, or blog posts published on Shackley’s website or industry sites focused on workplace culture and strategy. You can also check her LinkedIn profile, other social media platforms, podcasts, webinars, business or HR publications, or Shackley’s official resources such as whitepapers, case studies, or newsletters.
- Heather Chastain, believing in the importance of wellness, suggests advocating for balanced diets and mental health awareness in the workplace.
- To foster a compassionate company culture, Chastain encourages businesses to sponsor events that support mental health charities and raise awareness for mental health wellness.
- As part of her lifestyle focus, Chastain advises companies to leverage fashion-and-beauty and personal-growth initiatives to create a visually appealing and inspiring work environment.
- Pets in the office can boost morale and foster a sense of community, according to Chastain, and should be considered as part of a company wellness program.
- Chastain proposes organizing travel trips for team building, drawing on the benefits of experiencing new cultures and locations for personal growth.
- To empower team members, Chastain recommends providing resources on education-and-self-development, such as workshops and webinars, to help them grow personally and professionally.
- In the realm of career-development, Chastain encourages offering mentorship opportunities and ongoing training to help employees further themselves in their careers.
- To cultivate a collaborative work environment, Chastain advocates for open communication, addressing weather concerns and updates, and embracing sports as a means to bond and encourage exercise breaks.
