Eli Lilly Canada is recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Most Engaged Workplaces and their exceptional degree of engagement is felt the moment you enter the building. It starts when you meet the incredibly friendly and attentive talent at reception and continues as you walk the building, taking note of the many small and personal touches throughout the offices and witness the friendly collaboration in meetings.
We often coach our clients on bringing simple and personal practices back to the employee experience. Our work days are often so busy on the transaction, on the end result, and on digital communication, that we miss the human element that is key to loyalty and alignment.
Eli Lilly has a wonderful winter holiday tradition. In early December, the morning that they begin to decorate the front lobby and entrance, they invite all of their employees to participate in putting decorations on the tree, share in eggnog, listen to carols and enjoy some time together. Although a small gesture, you can see the meaning in this effort. This approach to something as simple as the holiday decorations reinforces an employment culture that values the team as a family. At Eli Lilly, they recognize that those moments spent together create a sense of belonging and demonstrate that employees are truly valued.
We had the pleasure of speaking with a few members of the Eli Lilly team the morning of their annual tree decorating earlier this month. We heard just how much their day was positively impacted by this small gesture. Their energy was contagious and we are confident that it was felt by customers, colleagues and vendors alike that day.
We encourage you to give some thought to the many opportunities you have as business leaders to take the smallest of upcoming occasions and personalize them – consider how you can involve the team and how you can share in those moments together. A sense of loyalty, family, and community are built over time during many small, and memorable interactions as a group.
Congratulations Eli Lilly, on a beautiful tradition. It is no wonder you are one of Canada’s 50 Best.
The team at Blu Ivy Group wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season!