5 Strategies To Make Work More Human

What Does It Mean to Make Work More Human?

Welcome back to More Human at Work, a biweekly LinkedIn newsletter for leaders dedicated to building workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and truly connected.

 In this issue, we’ll explore what it means to create a more human-centered workplace, why it's challenging, and how you can get started. 

Plus, I’ll share five actionable tips for making work more human—and let you know how my Culture Clinics can support your next steps.

Why Aren’t Workplaces More Human Already?

Traditional workplace systems often put productivity above people, in both obvious and subtle ways.

Take the term “talent management.”

Although it describes an organizational strategy to attract, develop, and retain people, the use of “talent” shifts the focus from individuals to their output. This emphasis subtly devalues our humanity, prioritizing what employees contribute over who they are.

Even unintentionally, this language reinforces the notion that people are viewed more as cogs in a machine than as humans at work. This mindset can exist even in companies with strong, people-centered cultures.

By contrast, a human-centered approach prioritizes employee well-being, creating a workplace where each person feels safe, respected, and truly connected. 

Research consistently shows that companies who prioritize a people-centered culture generate happy and engaged employees and perform better across several metrics.

What Does a Human-Centered Workplace Look Like?

A human-centered workplace goes beyond acknowledging what employees contribute—it values them as whole people. 

In these environments, leaders foster openness, inclusivity, and respect for each individual. This approach encourages employees to bring their best selves to work, knowing they’re valued and that their contributions truly matter.

When employees feel respected and connected, trust and innovation flourish. This foundation leads to healthier workplace cultures and stronger collaboration.

5 Practical Tips to Start Humanizing Your Workplace

Here are five of my top ten strategies for making work more human:

1.Make Joy and Fun Mission-Critical

Years ago, while building a strategic plan for a university, the department head chose joy as a strategic goal. It was the first time I’d seen an emotional experience prioritized over traditional productivity metrics—a powerful reminder that, with so much of our lives spent at work, companies can make joy mission-critical.

Tip: Incorporate moments of joy into the workday. Celebration, laughter, and shared enjoyment recharge teams and make work feel like a shared journey, not just a grind.

2. Embrace Different Paths to Success

We all have different ways of thinking which is shaped by our brain differences, age, and cultures, among others.  It’s why human-centered leaders encourage team members to bring their unique approaches to projects. Allowing flexibility shows respect for individual strengths and often yields the best results.

3. Foster Genuine Connection

Make relationship-building part of your culture. Intentional check-ins, team-building activities, and dedicated time for employees to engage in shared experiences will help everyone feel more connected.

4. Release Unnecessary Urgency

Evaluate whether tasks genuinely need an “ASAP” label. Create space for work to be completed without constant urgency. This will reduce burnout and also lead to more thoughtful, high-quality results.

5. See People Beyond What They Can Produce

Recognize people's inherent value as human peoples, and see the people behind the performance. Take time to appreciate team members’ strengths, perspectives, and unique contributions beyond what they produce.

As a leader, integrating any of these practices into your regular habits can begin to make your team members feel more human at work.

Ready to Take the First Step? Start with a Culture Clinic

Creating a human-centered workplace is an ongoing journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. My Culture Clinics are designed to help you identify the first and best steps toward humanizing your organization. 

Through focused sessions, we’ll explore your culture’s strengths, identify gaps, and build a clear plan to create a more inclusive, connected environment.

Ready to begin? Reach out today to schedule an Alignment Call where we can assess which of our services would be the right way for you to build a more human-centered workplace.