In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Jason Anthoine, a veteran in employee engagement and internal communication. Jason shares his journey from a small town in Georgia to working with major corporations like GE and Coca-Cola, emphasizing the importance of understanding and improving workplace culture. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating effectively in large organizations, the evolution of employee engagement strategies, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. Jason also discusses his initiatives, including the 'What Employees Want' research project and the Connect conference, to bridge the gap between employees and management. The episode concludes with insights on the future of internal communications and the significance of a 'what if' mindset in driving change.

Takeaways

• Jason's passion for employee engagement began in childhood.
• Cultural challenges in large organizations often stem from scale and complexity.
• Effective communication requires a personal touch, especially in large firms.
• The evolution of employee engagement reflects changing workplace dynamics.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Cohesion and Audacity focus on improving employee experiences.
• The Connect conference was created to fill a gap in internal communications training.
• The 'What Employees Want' initiative emphasizes employee feedback.
• Riding Shotgun is a storycast sharing lessons from Jason's career.
• The future of internal communications will prioritize human connection over technology.