In today’s workplace, creating a sense of belonging and showing employees they are valued as individuals is vital. Employee storytelling offers a unique way for companies to recognize employees’ personal journeys and foster deeper connections across the organization. Programs like those at World Wide Technology have set an example, building a storytelling culture that helps employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
Following a listening initiative that began after the tragic events surrounding George Floyd’s death, World Wide Technology launched an employee storytelling program. This initiative lets employees share personal stories through videos, essays, and artwork. Guided by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team, employees’ stories are crafted and shared internally, garnering over 4,500 views and fostering a more inclusive culture.
This storytelling program is part of why World Wide Technology recently climbed from No. 71 to No. 19 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® List, showcasing the impact of employee storytelling in creating an outstanding workplace environment.
Building an Employee Storytelling Program
If you’re interested in starting an employee storytelling program, here are some essential steps to consider.
1. Leverage Existing Feedback Channels
Start by looking at your existing channels for employee feedback. Consider how these channels can support employee storytelling, making it easier for employees to express their experiences and feel recognized.
2. Get Creative with Employee Storytelling Opportunities
Encourage employees to share stories beyond the professional realm. Building a strong employee storytelling culture requires tapping into personal experiences that help team members connect on a deeper level. Encourage creativity, and consider diverse forms of expression, from essays to artwork.
3. Secure Leadership Support for Employee Storytelling
For an employee storytelling program to thrive, strong support from leadership is key. Leaders who value these stories help embed storytelling into the company culture, creating lasting impact.
The Impact of Employee Storytelling
Programs like World Wide Technology’s storytelling initiative help build empathy and foster stronger relationships. Employee storytelling can improve team dynamics, encourage understanding, and foster a supportive workplace environment. Leaders who genuinely listen and learn about their team members’ experiences contribute to a positive culture that values each individual.
Integrating Employee Storytelling into Your Workplace
At World Wide Technology, employee storytelling has built a strong community and helped employees see each other beyond job titles. Investing in storytelling allows companies to attract talent that resonates with their values and strengthens internal connections, proving that employees are valued not just for their roles but for who they are.
