When Fridays Became More Than Just a Day: Unleashing Employee Potential through Unconventional Recognition

By Kraig Kleeman

Introduction

Hey there, Kraig Kleeman here! Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Desiree Fermin, the dynamic HR Manager of The New Workforce. We dived into a topic close to many of our hearts: how to keep our teams motivated and engaged. And let me tell you, Desiree had some eye-opening insights about the magic of unconventional recognition in the workplace.

A Friday Storytime that Sparked a Workplace Revolution

Desiree began with a story that I found both simple and revolutionary. “Imagine this,” she said, “every Friday, instead of the usual grind, someone steps up and shares a personal story or a hidden talent.” This initiative, aptly named ‘Storytelling Fridays,’ became a game changer. “You wouldn’t believe the buzz it created! It was like we had unlocked a hidden level of camaraderie and energy within our teams,” Desiree recounted with a smile.

What struck me was not just the idea but the ripple effect it had. “Our office became more than just a place to work. It transformed into a space where everyone felt valued for who they are, not just what they do,” Desiree explained. I could almost picture the vibrant atmosphere she described, where each story added a new layer to the fabric of their workplace community.

Overcoming the Skeptics and Logistical Hurdles

But let’s be honest: not all great ideas are smooth sailing. Desiree didn’t shy away from discussing the bumps in the road. “Initially, there were doubters. How could something so simple make a difference? And then there was the challenge of fitting this into our busy schedules,” she shared candidly.

Their approach? Patience and persistence. “We started small, and as people began to see the value, it gained momentum. And as for the schedule, we wove it into our regular meetings. It was important that this didn’t feel like another task,” Desiree said. It was a classic case of showing the benefits of thinking outside the box, not just telling.

Measuring Success: Beyond the Numbers

How do you measure the success of something as intangible as employee recognition? This is where Desiree’s insights were particularly enlightening. “Sure, we looked at employee satisfaction surveys and turnover rates, but the real gold was in the unexpected outcomes,” she began.

One standout metric was the improvement in client feedback. “Our team’s engagement levels began to reflect in their work. Clients noticed the difference,” Desiree noted with pride. It was a testament to the fact that a happy team doesn’t just benefit the company culture; it echoes through to the customer experience.

Final Thoughts: It’s the Little Things

Chatting with Desiree reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: sometimes, the most impactful changes come from the most straightforward ideas. In a world where we’re often chasing the next big thing, it’s refreshing to see how a simple Friday storytelling session can create waves of positive change. It’s a reminder to all of us, especially in leadership roles, that sometimes all it takes to boost morale and creativity is to step back and let the human side of business shine. After all, isn’t that what makes work genuinely fulfilling?

About Kraig Kleeman

Kraig Kleeman is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and showrunner. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Elon Musk’s visionary approach to business and Mick Jagger’s electrifying stage presence. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating performances that awe audiences.

Kraig’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding a tech company and taking it from nothing to $30 million in sales, in less than four years. His newest venture, CEO Branding Worldwide, is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter. While some may liken his abilities to a Midas touch, others prefer to think of it as transforming companies into profitable ventures instead of turning things into gold!