As managers, it's our job to create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, motivation, and development among our team. But with the ever-changing workplace, how can we ensure we always have productive, meaningful conversations with our employees?

Anna Rasmussen, CEO and founder of OpenBlend, shares her expertise in creating a positive work environment by having structured conversations around well-being, motivation, development, feedback, and performance. Anna emphasises the importance of a sense of belonging at work, where employees feel aligned with company culture, part of a team, and valued as individuals. Anna also provides practical advice on how managers can create clarity and transparency for their employees to understand their contribution to the bigger picture, providing feedback on their performance to foster growth and development. Further key points throughout include:

- An introduction to Anna Rasmussen and the OpenBlend framework

- The importance of structured performance management conversations and employee-led agendas

- Belonging at work and supporting well-being in the workplace

- Why creating safe environments for open and honest conversation matters

- Workplace clarifications: managing and communicating expectations

- What factors can motivate employees in an organisation?

- What being Happier at Work means to Anna

"69% of managers are uncomfortable communicating with their employees, which is terrifying. And only 14% of employees feel comfortable talking to their manager about stresses that they're feeling. So you can see the problem regarding well-being: managers don't feel comfortable talking, and individuals don't feel comfortable talking to their managers. But yet 85% of managers say that the well-being of their employees is their responsibility." – Anna Rasmussen

THE LISTENERS SAY:

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

Connect with Anna Rasmussen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmussenanna/

https://www.openblend.com/

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien:

https://www.happieratwork.ie

https://www.impostersyndrome.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

https://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast