The ThinkingCAAP Podcast Ep. 01: Workplace Culture & DEI
In the first episode of "The Thinking CAAP" podcast, hosts Beck Moore, CEO of Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), and Amanda Hoprich, COO at CAAP, focus on enhancing workplace culture through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. Beck shares super practical and actionable ideas for making simple but meaningful improvements to boost staff morale and retention. Together Beck and Amanda walk you through an easy "staff favorites" exercise that helps managers better connect with and support their teams.
We hope you'll tune in and send us your questions! Email info@theCAAP.org with the subject "Thinking CAAP." We can't wait to continue this community conversation with you!
Thinking CAAP Talking Points
[0:00] Introducing The Thinking CAAP Podcast
Amanda and Beck introduce the new podcast, "The Thinking CAAP," aiming to provide updates and timely topics for the CAAP team to serve their members in a new and innovative way.
[1:35] Future Episodes and Audience Engagement
Amanda and Beck discuss their plans for future episodes, including addressing questions from the community.
They encourage the audience to email them with their questions for future episodes: info@thecaap.org.
[2:10] Introduction to Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
Beck introduces himself as the CEO of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), discussing his role in supporting and advocating for member agencies.
Amanda discusses her experience and passion for helping people.
[7:41] Myth Busting about Community Action Agencies
Beck addresses the myth that people don't know about the range of solutions and services offered by community action agencies.
He emphasizes the innovative and community-focused nature of their work, debunking misconceptions about poverty and homelessness.
[12:44] Workplace Culture Through a DEI Lens
Amanda and Beck delve into the huggy heart of the matter, discussing the importance of workplace culture through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens.
They emphasize the need for emotional space and support in the workplace, challenging traditional HR perspectives
[14:50] Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Beck and Amanda discuss the importance of managers being intentional about supporting their teams.
They emphasize the need for thoughtfulness and creating space for personal check-ins to foster a connected and supportive culture.
[16:18] Onboarding and Basic Needs
The conversation shifts to the significance of onboarding and ensuring new employees have essential information such as building access and lunch arrangements.
Beck shares personal experiences and highlights the importance of addressing basic needs for new staff members.
[19:46] Impact of Authentic Leadership
The discussion delves into the impact of authentic leadership on team dynamics and success.
Beck emphasizes the significance of leaders acknowledging their mistakes and practicing reparative relationships in the workplace, fostering a culture of humility and growth.
[20:54] Staff Favorites List
Beck and Amanda explore the effectiveness of the staff favorites list as a simple yet impactful tool for recognizing and supporting team members.
They discuss how this resource can be used to show appreciation and provide personalized gestures, contributing to a positive work environment.
[23:23] Personal Sharing in the Workplace
The conversation concludes with the importance of leaders being authentic and sharing personal aspects of their lives with their teams.
Beck highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences and receiving support from their colleagues.
[28:23] Importance of Workplace Culture
Beck discusses the importance of workplace culture and how it impacts the overall organization.
He emphasizes the need for thoughtful and intentional actions to create a positive work environment.
[30:09] Building a Team Framework
Beck highlights the need to build a team framework for celebrating wins and creating a positive workplace culture.
He suggests involving the entire team in these efforts to make it a collective effort.
[32:51] Influence on Workplace Culture
Beck emphasizes that everyone influences workplace culture through their actions and behaviors.
He encourages individuals to reflect on how they contribute to creating a positive or negative work environment.
[36:34] Individual Responsibility
Beck discusses the individual responsibility in influencing workplace culture and emphasizes the need for individuals to take ownership of their actions to create a positive work environment.
[41:13] De-politicizing DEI Work
Beck addresses the common question of de-politicizing DEI work and highlights the connection between workplace culture and DEI efforts.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on supporting and valuing employees to address recruitment and retention issues.
[42:43] Treating staff with respect
Amanda emphasizes the importance of treating staff with respect and discusses the role of workplace culture and values in creating a positive work environment.
[43:29] Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Beck and Amanda talk about the importance of having honest and open conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, emphasizing the need to start with the basics before tackling harder conversations.
[44:07] Employee retention
The hosts discuss the impact of workplace culture on employee retention and the importance of creating a positive work environment to ensure staff members feel successful and satisfied at work.
Thank you for being part of our first episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast. Please send your questions for Beck & Amanda to info@theCAAP.org with the subject "Thinking CAAP." And please join us in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. We can't wait to continue this community conversation with you!
Connect with us on social media!
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www.linkedin.com/company/community-action-association-of-pennsylvania