What ONE Change Would Have the Biggest Impact on Your Workplace Culture?

Jan 10, 2025

I posted this survey question in my Inspiring Workplaces newsletter this week:

If you could change just one thing this year about your workplace that you think would make the biggest difference to everyone’s happiness, productivity, and well-being, what would you change?

The top responses thus far (oh yeah, look at me using the word ‘thus’) are:

1. WAY more communication and more effective communication. 80% of respondents cited this as the #1 biggest need, with many folks talking about the impact a lack of communication has on employee morale and collaboration.

2. More intentional opportunities to connect with employees across teams and departments.

3. Better leadership! More intentional leadership and less micromanaging.

4. Reducing red tape and bureaucracy so employees could be empowered to do their work more effectively.

5. More flexibility with schedules and being able to work remotely.

6. Focusing on small changes instead of trying to take on too much.

7. Better sharing of the workload.

8. We need more Michael Kerr in our workplace (admittedly this was just one respondent, but it’s a darn good response me thinks)

What about you? What would your answer be to a better workplace, if you could just change ONE thing?

Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame Speaker who speaks on inspiring workplace cultures, culture leadership, and humor in business. Michael is also the author of nine books including, “The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank,” “The Jerk-Free Workplace: How You Can Take the Lead to Create a Happier, More Inspiring Workplace,” and “Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results.”

Rave Reviews

“Your presentation was beyond excellent! You have the unique ability to both entertain and educate. It was the perfect mix of a serious business message, along with a very funny delivery.”

Dave Thompson, CFO & President, Sandvik Canada, Inc.

“Michael was brilliant! An incredible session that received a standing ovation. The content was a welcome and valuable divergence from typical educational sessions. If you need to leave your audience energized with great content, I highly recommend Michael Kerr!”

Dana Cooper, Executive Director, Orthotics Prosthetics Canada

“Michael held the full attention of our senior management team for a full 4-hour presentation! His management philosophy is a fantastic approach that I have encouraged my team to carry forward.”

Martine Rothblatt, Chairman & CEO, United Therapeutics

“It was evident, almost from the first word you spoke, that you would be one of the most memorable parts of the two days. Your high energy, fast-paced, powerful style had everyone on the edges of their seats. Beyond being incredibly entertaining, you gave the leaders pragmatic tools and ideas that are easily transferable to their jobs.”

Mark Breslaw, Human Resources Business Partner, Telus

“Michael’s Leading and Laughing During Turbulent Times was the best presentation I have seen in my 40 years in business.”

Rodney Meadows, Director East Alabama Home Medical

“That was one of the best virtual presentations I have been on and the best one since this pandemic! It was the highlight of my week and gave me a resurgence of positivity, motivation and energy.”

Natasha Purnell, Chief Culture Officer, Park Insurance

“Michael Kerr delivered an absolutely outstanding performance – virtually! His energy and humorous content had our event attendees wanting our company to book him again!”

Kylene Donaldson, Western Financial Group

“Michael Kerr’s humor, messages and energy was not lost at all in the virtual format and allowed us to continue an important tradition of having fun and being together. His messages on how to build resiliency were delivered in an engaging way that really hit home!”

Brier Albano, Associate Registrar, Medicine Hat College

“With his high energy and animated presentation of over 90 minutes, he had everyone’s full attention!”

Jolaine Arsenault, Retail Market Analysis and Liaison Specialist, Co-op Atlantic

“Just wanted to say “WOW!” – that was awesome! We’ve had many speakers over the years, but none the likes of Michael Kerr.”

Richard Dansereau, President, NAPA Autopro BDG

“One of the most enjoyable keynote speakers we have worked with. Not only was it entertaining, it contained valuable lessons for our managers to take back to the office.”

Peter Panaritis, President, Brinks Canada Limited

“Many of the head office staff thought you were the best keynote speaker we’ve ever had! Thank-you for your invigorating and energizing keynote presentation.”

Tanya Dusyk, Territory Manager, Shell Canada

“Your dynamic and interactive presentation was the highlight of our conference. To this day, years later, we will often refer to the topics you enlightened and enriched our lives with!”

Steve Enns, Vice President and General Manager, TGS Harvard Management

“I wanted to share with you the amazing customer comments below. We’ve been employing various techniques that you described and I wanted you to know that your work makes a difference!”

Kevin Walsh, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Showdown Displays

“Yours was one of the most effective, enlightening, and entertaining presentations we’ve ever had at a conference (and we’ve had a lot!).”

Mario Bernardi, Executive Director, ClimateCare Co-operative

“You were by far the best rated speaker. Michael’s energy influenced my entire experience at the conference.”

Mary Anne Yurkiw, Food Matters Conference Chair

“YOU ROCK! Michael had everyone in stitches and offered amazing workplace food for thought.”

Janice Vilaca, Program Administrator, Co-operative Education, Wilfred Laurier University

“I’ve seen Michael four times – he’s amazing. You come away with knowledge on how to make your workplace better and you don’t even realize you were being taught because you are so busy being entertained.”

Michelle Kimura, Owner, MicAr Marketing

“Thanks to your suggestions, staff feel engaged and empowered to start creating an inspiring workplace. You have made a huge, positive impact in just 90 minutes!”

Paola Zurro, Senior Director, Real Property Branch

“Michael exceeded our expectations in every aspect. He was nothing short of the star of our event. By far, the best speaker we’ve ever had!”

Rod Smith, VP, Business Development, Century Vallen

Michael Kerr

What ONE Change Would Have the Biggest Impact on Your Workplace Culture?

If you could change just one thing this year about your workplace that you think would make the biggest difference to everyone’s happiness, productivity, and well-being, what would you change?

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