Clues to Organizational Change from Board Priorities

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Corporate Boards are focusing on the human side of governance priorities as never before–at last, many of them, at least. They are getting more concerned with workforce issues since COVID threw a wrench in almost all aspects of operations and life. It emerged to dominate and then alter workers at all levels’ lives and work choices, highly unlikely to revert to the old ways.

Findings from Deloitte’s recent interviews with Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) in 15 leading organizations in a variety of industries emphasized 10 aspects of cultural health on the human side of leadership. These include:

  • Talent is at the top of Board agendas, both retention and development.

  • Culture connected to business strategy connected to purpose.

  • Mental health and well-being

  • How to navigate hybrid work arrangements.

  • Leadership skills and succession planning

    Boards are aware that younger generations, more than ever, are driving organizations to purpose-driven work.

  • Boards want to know how the companies they serve are positioned as an employer, not just as a revenue producer.

  • They are emphasizing re-skilling.

  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) priorities are becoming part of Board discussions about talent

  • ESG goals are driving behavior change by leadership and individual workers

  • Boards interest in DEI practices are getting a deeper focus.

In summary, the focus is shifting to “cultural health.”

These factors have been elevated to Board level in many companies. They also align closely with my recent research interview findings.

Deloitte’s interviews as described above indicate existing opportunities for you to say, “Yes” to this question: Are you ready to be a legacy-making change-agent? Sort of an “intrapreneur” working to rebalance the employer-employee partnership and create a parallel work legacy to bridge and unite the divides threatening talent retention, harmony, business sustainability and the future of work.

Call to Action: If you are curious and ready, I have an opportunity for you. Let’s set up a call to share details, provide feedback, and answer a few key questions. Contact me at pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com, and I’ll get back to you.

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot, 2022