In today’s business environment, fostering ethical, sustainable, and resilient corporate cultures is the standard. A recent HBR article, “What Employers Get Wrong About How People Connect at Work,” describes the CLEAR framework that can be used to strengthen relationships that support organizational integrity and trust. The framework has four interrelated and essential elements of employee connections with their Colleagues, Leader, Employer, And Role (CLEAR).
The Compliance Podcast Network article uses the CLEAR framework to highlight how relationships strengthen organizational culture, integrity and trust.
- Colleague connection – Establishing connections with peers is essential for building trust and mutual support. Employees should have relations with colleagues they feel comfortable raising concerns and sharing ideas and challenges. Staff need opportunities to connect, spending time together to deepen trust.
- Leader connection – Strong communicators who are clear on expectations and provide beneficial feedback are a pleasure to work for. When leaders regularly discuss issues and concerns, they deepen trust so that employees are comfortable raising dissent, concerns and issues.
- Employer connection – Meaningful work for an organization with clear goals and values strengthens an employee’s commitment to the organization. Regular communications and engagement on the business of the business, its financial health and prospects deepens commitment and corporate culture.
- Role connection – Employees thrive when they are absorbed in their work. Making a connection to the difference the organization is making also supports job satisfaction. Tailored training deepens that connection and employees’ commitment to doing things right.
A final take away from the article is that compliance programs are more than policies and procedures. An organizational culture of ethics and respect is key in assuring employees support each other in doing the right thing. Fostering meaningful relationships across the CLEAR framework strengthens the organizational culture.
