Working better together
How to build a great workplace culture in the housing sector
STRATEGY
Image: Istock
Martina Smith
CEO, Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL)
Issue 68 | October 2023
Promoting a supportive, caring and inclusive workplace culture is intrinsic to the work we do at the Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL). We believe that promoting a workplace culture where employee wellbeing is truly valued, is like a golden thread that runs through the organisation, right through to the homes and support services we provide.
In a competitive employment market, where an organisation like ours cannot compete with the private sector on remuneration, we see our workplace culture as being an important element in both recruiting and retaining staff.
As part of our overall Strategic Review in 2023, we began with commissioning Campbell Tickell to conduct a CultureScan of our workplace culture, providing an external overview and anonymous results.
Our culture and staff have been integral to our growth over recent years and this is an area we want to build on as we launch our new Strategic Plan next year.
Creating a unique culture at HAIL
As part of Campbell Tickell’s work, our staff were consulted to get their feedback on our culture.
This process had two parts:
- First, a survey was issued to our staff to get their opinions on our workplace culture.
- Second, a series of focus groups were held with a particular emphasis on how HAIL can add to our culture as we grow.
The results of the feedback were very positive. A key strength shown is how it feels to work for HAIL – employees feel safe, cared for and that they are making a difference in the world.
At the beginning of the survey, respondents were asked to select three positive attributes that they see as being most strongly reflected in HAIL.
The results of this exercise indicate that staff within HAIL perceive it as a place where teamwork is encouraged. Furthermore, it was revealed that the atmosphere within the organisation is characterised by friendliness and respect.
Our staff also highlighted that they are proud to work for HAIL due to its purpose and empowerment of our clients. A positive trend throughout the survey responses showed that HAIL is client-focused throughout our work and committed to achieving positive outcome for our tenants and clients.
The level of engagement in the process was also incredibly positive, with 100% of staff responding to the survey.
Enhancing our culture as we grow
As we grow as an organisation and expand our housing and support services in more communities across Ireland, we want to continue to make HAIL an excellent place to work where staff feel valued.
Last year was our strongest year yet, we increased our housing stock to 452 homes and supported 589 people through our mental health tenancy sustainment services.
This would not have been possible without our highly committed and professional staff. They work exceptionally hard in often challenging and complex circumstances to help improve people’s lives.
The feedback from our staff on how we can uphold our workplace culture in the years ahead has set the foundations for our new Strategic Plan, ensuring our workplace culture continues to thrive and that our staff remain at the heart of everything we do.
“The feedback from our staff on how we can uphold our workplace culture in the years ahead has set the foundations for our new Strategic Plan.”
