Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim’s Post

Its officially May and spring is in the air and the flowers are starting to bloom! But flowers aren't the only thing we love to see bloom! Here at Approach, we believe our employees and contractors are our most valuable asset. But simply having talented individuals isn't enough. To truly thrive, we need to create an environment where those talents can blossom and reach their full potential. Just like a beautiful garden, a successful company requires nurturing and care. Here's how we strive to cultivate a space where employees can flourish, both in our organization and in yours: Empowerment: We trust our team members to take ownership of their work. This fosters a sense of responsibility and allows individuals to develop their skills and decision-making abilities. Celebrating Strengths: We recognize that everyone brings unique talents and perspectives to the table. We value these differences and encourage employees to leverage their strengths for the benefit of the team. Open Communication: We foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and providing feedback. This two-way street helps us continuously improve and allows employees to feel heard and valued. By prioritizing employee growth and well-being, we're not just investing in our team, we're investing in the future of our company, and in yours! Happy, fulfilled employees are more engaged, productive, and innovative. This translates to better results for everyone.

As I sit here reflecting on the last week it sparked thoughts 💭 I've been interviewing various candidates this week and many of them have asked why I've stayed at my current company for so long, or what the culture is like. Culture is such a broad term... some consider culture the social scene 💃🏼 of the workplace, others consider it management style 📈 and others about investment in people. 🫂 In my eyes 👀, a good workplace culture is one that breeds accountability, embraces the opportunity to make mistakes and grow 🌱, celebrates success🎊, empowers individuals , and nurtures autonomy. Why is workplace culture so important? Because it serves as the bedrock for the collective journey of growth and success. It cultivates an environment where accountability isn't seen as a constraint, but as a stepping stone 🪨 to transformation and progress. It nurtures the freedom to make mistakes, as each misstep becomes a lesson, a conduit for personal and professional growth. Celebrating success is not just an act, but a culture—a culture that fuels inspiration and propels the team forward. 🏋️♀️ Empowerment and autonomy are the cornerstones of a dynamic workplace culture. They embody the trust and belief in individuals to chart their own paths 🛤️, infusing each decision and action with purpose and ownership. But this is just my perspective. I'm keen to ignite a discussion and hear 👂what good workplace culture means to you. What elements do you believe are crucial for a thriving work environment, and why? Take these Yorkshire puddings for example, the first time I made them, they didn't rise. I owned it and served flat yorkies. I discussed it with my family, sharing our own experiences and what made a difference, and I tried and tried again. I took every opportunity to practice, and my family supported me and asked how I was getting on...and well, when on that fine sunday they decided to rise, boy did we all celebrate! together! It was a journey, one that benefitted everyone! Now that, is what I call a good culture! #WorkplaceCulture #SuccessJourney #EmployeeEmpowerment #AccountabilityMatters #BuildingSuccess

We're family at work. It might sound cliche, but I completely believe in it. Think about it. We spend more time with our colleagues than with our own families. We share successes. We navigate challenges. We build bonds that extend beyond job titles. When we see our workplaces as more than just a collection of individuals, something magical happens. People become more engaged, more invested, and more willing to go the extra mile. It's not about blurring the lines between personal and professional lives. It's about recognizing the fundamental human need for connection and belonging, and building a culture that nurtures those needs. When we create a workplace "family," we create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves. It cultivates a sense of loyalty, trust, and shared purpose that drives true success. So, move beyond transactional relationships and create workplaces that truly feel like home. That’s how you build teams that not only achieve great things but also take care of each other.

2.5 months have flown by since I started my new role and I am thankful that JANA is a wonderful place to work. If you are looking for a workplace where you can thrive and grow, here are 8 signs to look out for: Positive culture 🥰 Values respect, empathy, and trust. No room for toxicity and big egos! Opportunities for growth 🌱 Invests in employee development and career progression. Collaborative team environment 🤝 Works together towards common goals, values feedback, and supports each other. Recognition and rewards 🏆 Acknowledges and rewards employee achievements and contributions. Work-life balance 🤸♂️ Prioritises employees’ well-being and flexibility. Open communication 🗣️ Encourages transparency, feedback, curiosity and open dialogue. Diverse and inclusive workplace 💡 Values and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employee autonomy 💼 Trusts and empowers employees to make decisions and take ownership. If your workplace embodies these signs, you're likely in a great place to work!

D & I it's all a bit “Woke” why can't people just do their jobs?” D&I isn’t just about ticking boxes or being “woke”; it’s about creating environments where everyone, regardless of background, can contribute their best work and feel valued. At its core, D&I efforts aim to create an environment where everyone can focus on doing their jobs well without facing unnecessary barriers due to bias or exclusion. It’s not just a trend—it’s about building fair, effective workplaces.

If you’ve ever worked with me, then you probably know I’m a football fanatic - more so college football, but I’ve got love for the NFL too. Football season is ♪The most wonderful time of the year♪. As we steadily approach the beginning of the football season, I figured I’d take a moment to discuss how I approach my work in terms of football players and coaches. Over the next 4 weeks, I’ll highlight one football player or coach each week and compare one aspect of their style to how I approach my work.  Week 4 of 4 Togetherness and Enthusiasm. Years ago, when I was at IKEA, 'togetherness and enthusiasm' was one of the company's core values. This value has stayed with me, shaping the way I view teamwork and workplace culture. When asked what I value most in a job or company, this is usually my first response. To me, togetherness and enthusiasm mean collaborating to get things done while still having some fun. It's about trusting each other, moving in the same direction, and, perhaps most importantly, having fun together. This is the essence of a positive and productive work environment This value reminds me of Pete Carroll. Coach Carroll was known for creating a culture that combined hard work with an infectious enthusiasm. His players were encouraged to enjoy the game and each other, fostering an environment where they could thrive both individually and as a team. Carroll's approach exemplified the idea that a positive, fun atmosphere doesn't just make work more enjoyable—it also leads to better outcomes. In my work, I strive to embody that same spirit and camaraderie. Whether it's working on a project or navigating challenges, I believe that fostering a positive environment leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Much like a football team, when we come together with enthusiasm and a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things and have a great time along the way.  

It’s remarkable how much remote work fixes workplace culture. The most toxic cultures can’t be perpetuated remotely in the same way. People can block toxicity working from home and all communication has to be professional as it isn’t in person. Remote work rules out the most toxic individuals and creates a safe enviorment for everyone! Companies fail to realize that pizza parties, free lunches etc actually make employees feel less appreciated then what is intended. Like Nicole says in this post, if it feels wrong trust your instinct! Toxic and bad workplace cultures are perpetuated only if the employees don’t stand up for their rights and put a stop to it or move on to a better company.

WE ARE HERE AGAIN. A REMINDER AS YOU CONTINUE ON THAT JOB... Belonging to your company is vital for personal and organizational success. It fosters a sense of identity and purpose, aligning individual goals with the company's mission. This connection cultivates loyalty and dedication, driving increased productivity. In a supportive work environment, belonging enhances job satisfaction, promoting mental well-being. Team cohesion and collaboration thrive when employees feel a strong sense of belonging, leading to innovative ideas and problem-solving. Furthermore, a shared commitment to the company's values creates a positive corporate culture. Belonging is not just about fitting in; it's about contributing uniquely to a collective vision, creating a fulfilling professional experience for both individuals and the company as a whole. ......................................................................... Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23.

Check out the categories of why our firm was named a Best and Brightest Company to work for. Thanks to our team for working your hardest to maintain a culture of fun, but also growth and strategy. It’s YOU that helps us consistently hit our goals while making this a great place to work. These are the categories that our firm outranked others to earn the title: - Leadership & Strategy - Teamwork & Cooperation - The job - Work life balance - Communications & Shared vision and - Supervisors #sales #dtc #networking #bestandbrightest #bestteam

What is real appreciation in the Workplace? It's about creating a culture where employees feel valued and understood for their unique contributions. Authentic Recognition of Effort and Impact Real appreciation starts with recognizing the effort employees put into their work not just the results. It's about acknowledging the late nights, the creative problem-solving, and the perseverance through challenges. When leaders show they understand the sacrifices and dedication their team members make, it fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. It's a powerful way to communicate trust and confidence in their abilities and future with the company. Building a Culture of Open Communication. Appreciation is not a one-time act; it's a continuous dialogue. It involves recognizing personal milestones whether it's a work anniversary, a new addition to the family, or a personal achievement outside of work. In Conclusion: The Impact of Genuine Appreciation Real appreciation in the workplace is about more than just saying "thank you". It's about understanding and valuing the person behind the role. It's about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the table. Are you practicing real appreciation in your workplace? Start today, and watch how it transforms your team culture and performance.