The Profitable Impact of a People-First Approach: More Than Just Numbers!

We've all had those moments, haven't we? Staring at a spreadsheet, the numbers twinkling like stars in a clear night sky, guiding us towards the ultimate goal: Profit. But here's a thought — what if I told you that putting people before profits could lead to... more profit? I know, it's a crazy idea(!) but go with me.

The Long-Term Love Affair with Values

You could chase after those short-term figures. But let's be honest, that kind of chasing might win you a sprint, but it won't win the marathon. And while morale gets trampled in the race for more profit, something more sinister can raise its head.

Information gets a massage here and a tweak there, all to make those numbers shine a little brighter. Not exactly the rosy picture of a business built on trust and integrity, right? And believe me, when that trust is broken, it's almost impossible to fix.

Journey versus Destination: What Pulls at the Heartstrings?

Now, imagine your business strategy as a journey to an end destination. Yes, the thought of profit might inspire some people. But the real team players, the builders, and the architects of your dream will seek something more fulfilling. A sense of belonging, a workplace they can be proud of, a company they can deeply connect with.

The Hive Buzzes Best Together

Think of your team as a beehive. Each bee isn't just buzzing around for the honey; they're a part of something bigger, something beautiful. Now replace "honey" with "profits" and "bees" with your "team". You'll see that team players, collaborators, and all the people who want to be part of a community will thrive — and they'll bring sweet success with them.

Here's the Honey — A People-First Approach is Simply Better for Business!

It's warm, it's fuzzy, and guess what? It's profitable too! When you create a space where people flourish and feel valued and inspired, they don't just work harder; they work smarter. They innovate, collaborate, and stick with you through thick and thin.

And the customers? They gravitate towards businesses that radiate positivity, integrity, and genuine care. And when customers feel good about where they're spending their money, that's when the magic happens.

It’s not Just Buzzwords - Here’s a Fantastic Case Study

So you may be thinking it sounds great but it just doesn’t apply to your business, or your industry. Maybe you’re in a cost-sensitive market like Green Gourmet Ltd | Certified B Corp? who supply the centre-plate protein for school meals and airlines.?

Meet queen-bee Caroline Barnes , Director of People & Performance. She shared the journey the team there has been on since the appointment of Green Gourmet MD, Mike Hanley .?

When Mike joined, sales were OK but had hit a plateau, he saw a culture change was needed to change performance and set about building a people-focused business. They worked hard on listening to employees, modelling the values they wanted to see in others and engagement levels in 2019/20 reached 94% (previously <50%).?

Post covid, team expectations and conversations about purpose multiplied. They decided to apply for B(ee) Corp accreditation as a way to galvanise the changes they were making and give their team a clear purpose. It was a three-year journey, but they smashed the score needed and the engagement feeling across the business continued to build and grow.?

The results: every month has seen record-breaking revenues. The team is going above & beyond, top candidates come to them looking for work, and customers love it. Conversations now go way beyond the product, no longer “buy my fish finger”, they are partnering with their customers to help innovate and see “collateral improvement” hitting those they do business with.?

To Wrap It Up

So, let's weave that warmth into the very fabric of our businesses. Let's choose sustainable growth that cherishes individuals and fosters team spirit. Because when we do, we're not just better leaders but creators of a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone.

Embrace a people-first approach and watch those numbers skyrocket. Now, isn't that a growth strategy to get behind?