Marianne Servais’ Post

Our people are our greatest asset. Together, we build a culture of respect, growth, and possibility. In HR, we’re not just managing roles; we’re nurturing careers, building leaders, and creating a community. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about finding people who’ll shape our future and make a difference. Let’s strive for an environment where every voice is heard, every talent is valued, and every person feels they belong. Success is best achieved together – by empowering, supporting, and inspiring each other daily. Our focus is on people, not just productivity. When we take care of our employees, excellence follows naturally. When employees thrive, the organization thrives. Let's work together to make this a place where everyone can grow. The best workplace is one that feels like a second home – where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Happy New Week!

value-driven work serves as a cornerstone for young professionals seeking fulfillment and purpose in their careers. When individuals align their job roles with their core values, they experience increased motivation and job satisfaction. Embracing this approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a more positive workplace culture. By prioritizing value-driven work, young professionals can cultivate a sense of belonging and inspire others to pursue similar paths. Discover more insights on this important topic at

Tuesday Tip! - The Real Value of ERGs Last weekend, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel on the value of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to business. Our panelists shared so many great insights that are still swirling in my head. Here are just a few reasons why ERGs are such a win for organizations: 1. They bring camaraderie and belonging—giving people that true “I’m part of something” feeling. 2. They can transform the culture, creating a more inclusive and engaged workplace. 3. They’re a magnet for top talent, showing candidates that the company truly values inclusion. 4. They strengthen connections with business partners, vendors, and clients who share those same values. A moment that hit me hard was hearing from an attendee who felt attacked and isolated at work because her company didn’t have an ERG that could have been really supportive. Her story really drove home how vital these groups can be—not just for the business side but for employee well-being. What impact have you seen ERGs make in an organization? Positive or negative—share your insights in the comments! If you need help creating an inclusive culture, connect with me at marcy@engagingplay.com

💡💭🤔 There was a time when companies truly broke bread with their employees ~ where work wasn’t just a place to clock in and out, but a community where personal and professional lives intertwined in meaningful ways. Back then, the line between work and personal life wasn’t a rigid boundary; it was a seamless blend, nurtured by a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Employers knew their employees as individuals, not just job titles or numbers. They celebrated personal milestones, supported through hardships, and fostered an environment where people felt genuinely valued beyond their productivity. It meant that leaders and employees sat together, shared meals, ideas, and life experiences, creating a bond that transcended the workplace. The support was holistic—emotional, professional, and personal—and this fostered loyalty, creativity, and a sense of belonging that today’s corporate world often lacks. As we navigate the complexities of modern work life, it’s crucial to remember the importance of blending work with personal life in a way that benefits all. We need to return to those roots, where companies supported their employees as whole people, recognizing that when we nourish the individual, we also nourish the organization. In today’s fast-paced, highly digital world, we’ve lost touch with an essential element of what makes any organization thrive: genuine human connection 🛗🆚🧑🧑🧒

Starting a new job at a company that puts employees first is truly uplifting. The gesture of receiving a gift upon joining speaks volumes about the exceptional work environment. The realization dawns swiftly that a nurturing work culture outweighs any other sought-after benefit. The cornerstone of respect and appreciation stands tall as the key elements in fostering employee loyalty. Despite hurdles encountered, individuals remain steadfast with an organization that recognizes their worth. Witnessing companies neglecting their workforce is indeed disheartening, portraying it as the least favorable approach a company could adopt.

A true “Best Place to Work” doesn’t just win awards—it builds on strengths. The best workplaces empower employees by: ✅ Recognizing and valuing their unique strengths. ✅ Helping them grow personally and professionally. ✅ Creating opportunities to use their strengths every day. A strengths-based culture goes beyond perks or badges. It’s about: ➡️ Celebrating individuality. ➡️ Encouraging meaningful contributions. ➡️ Fostering real loyalty and fulfillment. Awards fade, but when people are empowered to thrive through their strengths, everyone wins. What’s one way a workplace has helped you grow your strengths? Share below!

Why do we care about creating a good company culture?🤔 We care because people work better together, because we want to create a supportive environment that supports growth, and because we want our staff to enjoy working with us! Winning Employer of The Year wasn't about winning, it was an important reflection of the effort we put in to create the environment that we have! 🏆 #companyculture #employeroftheyear #positiveworkplace #workculture #workplacegrowth

Happy Labor Day to everyone out there! Today, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible impact we all have in the world of work. As someone deeply entrenched in transforming workplace cultures, I've had the privilege of working with countless passionate professionals. We share a common goal: to improve the experience of work. Our work is not just about policies and processes. It's about creating environments where people can thrive. It's about fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and wellbeing. Our contributions might not always make headlines, but they ripple through organizations, touching lives in profound ways. So, on this Labor Day, let's recognize the importance of what we do each and every day. Take a moment to reflect on the positive changes you've been a part of. And, most importantly, I hope you’re having a relaxing day, recharging for the impactful work ahead. Here's to us, the architects of better workplaces. Feel free to share how you're spending your Labor Day or the ways you've seen workplace culture evolve. Let's celebrate the impact together!

Company culture has increasingly become a non-negotiable factor for employees and job hunters, so each month I dedicate time to meet with Kyle Baldwin and our 'Culture Club' to ensure we're adapting and fostering a positive environment for our team. Company culture holds various meanings for every business and individual, but at Don't Panic Events, here's a few things we happily introduced for our team: 🏠 Flexible, hybrid working with an understanding of our teams personal needs and commitments. As a team of many working parents, this is key for us. 📒 The 'Manual of Me' - Introduced to help us understand our team better as individuals, learn their quirks, preferences, fears and dreams. 🌞 Summer hours - In the UK, sunny days can be few and far between, so we introduced flexible Fridays during the summer months to allow our team more freedom to do the things they love. 🧠 Mental health days - for our team to take when things feel heavy and they need to rest and recouperate. The importance of looking after your teams mental health shouldn't be overlooked. At Don't Panic Events, we are proud to run the annual #UKCompanyCultureAwards, celebrating and rewarding the many organisations that invest in their people and create inclusive cultures. We can't wait to see this year's incredible entries, and there's still time to get involved! 🐦 Early Bird Deadline - Thursday 6th February ⏰ Final Deadline - Thursday 20th February

"When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home." — Betty Bender Our workspaces should not just be places of productivity but also places of connection, compassion, and meaning. Employees should feel empowered to bring their full selves to work — heart, passion, and purpose included. When companies foster a culture that values emotional well-being, it doesn’t just improve morale, it strengthens collaboration and creativity. Let’s strive for workplaces that honor the humanity of every person, where empathy is a strength, not a weakness. Your heart has a place in everything you do — even at work. Start today by advocating for a more compassionate work environment. Speak up, listen actively, and support your colleagues' well-being. Together, we can build a culture where people can bring their whole selves to work. It's up to us to make our world a better place ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️