The final event of our Tour de Tee in Berlin this week marked the end of a really great series of events for the time being. Six workshops in six cities and over one hundred guests and discussions that we held with communicators and managers from various companies, authorities, institutions and cooperation partners following the events.
On day 1, we held an exclusive free workshop in all cities. Our aim was to shed light on topics that our guests were intensely interested in, which we had previously identified in a survey. The desired topic for the entire tour was “Employee Engagement”. Personal exchange and a protected space in which challenges could be addressed individually in a small group and solutions sought together were always important to us.
That’s what the workshop and our tea conversations were all about
The challenges faced by our guests included topics such as internationalization, managers as interfaces in change, digitalization of IC and tidying up communication areas. However, the lack of resources and the lack of awareness of appreciative and health-promoting measures also played a role in the discussions. Many of our participants were also concerned with the topic of how to create a stronger “sense of unity”, especially after a merger.
One of the most important findings: No company (and no ICT department) is alone with its challenges. The exchange of ideas with each other, even across sectors, and the development of initial quick wins were therefore perceived as particularly helpful.
“I particularly enjoyed the inspiring open exchange in a competent and relaxed atmosphere, as well as working together on (partial) solutions to challenges that colleagues are currently facing.”
(Anja Metzdorf)
Insights and quick wins
1. internal communication is a seismograph, multiplier and catalyst. It is therefore extremely important that communication is finally understood as a necessary link between employees and management. In everyday life, but above all in change situations.
2. communication promotes the emotional bond between employees and their employer. Only those who can classify their environment and know what the purpose of their own work is can feel a sense of belonging.
3. we need direct dialog. In these challenging times, which are not only turning the world of work upside down, but often also the world of private life, an open exchange is essential. Within the organization, but also with external parties.
For us as a consulting agency for change processes and internal communication, our takeaway is that communication with all its facets is still far from reaching its full potential in all organizations.
Our guests also returned to their day-to-day work with concrete insights and plans. For example, to include the question of what appreciation means to them in the next employee survey. The aim is to find out why certain company offers are not used.
Another finding, for example, was that managers are more enthusiastic about “impulses” and “best practices” than “training” or “coaching/training”. The term makes the difference as to whether the offer is perceived as such or as an additional burden. The first new formats are already emerging in organizations.
Let’s stay on the ball together
Companies are well advised to constantly promote employee engagement and scrutinize their measures. The topic has a significant impact on the success and performance of a company and therefore belongs firmly at the top of the priority list. It helps to generate greater customer satisfaction, reduce the fluctuation rate and improve the corporate culture as a whole. To this end, it helps to think “out of the box” from time to time, as we have encouraged with our tour-de-tea events.
Refreshing, motivating, inspiring, trusting – these were just some of the words our guests used to describe the event. We were inspired by the impetus, the atmosphere and the positive feedback, so we are currently thinking about continuing the series. What do you think? Which topic is particularly important at the moment and which city should we head for? Feel free to send us your suggestions for the next “Tour de Tee” to:
Are you familiar with our podcast “Auf einen Tee”? Click here for the anniversary episode with Friedemann Schulz von Thun, which is well worth listening to. Or browse for yourself: All episodes