Kitchen Workers Find Ingredients to Speak Up

Distressed by employees’ reluctance to speak up, members of the Los Angeles Food and Nutrition Services team took action. They participated in team-building activities, created a reward and recognition program and organized a campaign to show each other respect. Their efforts paid off: 11 of 12 measures of the People Pulse Speak Up Index showed improvement. Better yet, the team set the foundation for a workplace where employees feel free to voice their opinions and ideas — and can expect action to be taken on their input.

Here's What Worked

• Participating in team building activities to build trust and engagement
• Rewarding and recognizing employees for ideas and actions that contribute to the team’s work
• Implementing quick, visible suggestions to improve the work environment

What can your team do to help employees feel safe speaking up?