Episode 15: Addressing Toxicity: A Simple Solution for Complex Workplace Dynamics
With Jared Pope
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Key Takeaways
This week’s thought provoking episode of the Leading Real Change podcast discusses the problem of work place toxicity with CEO Jared Pope. Work Shield provides an end to end solution to worker misconduct issues, handling the issue with speed and care, while also not expecting internal staff to be experts in navigating these complex waters. Here are key takeaways that left me inspired and thinking deeply:
Root Cause Analysis: Jared identified the root cause of workplace issues, including harassment and discrimination, pointing to the role of attorneys and compliance policies that often fall short. He as an attorney at the time and recognized his role in these problems.
Anonymous Reporting Challenges: Traditional anonymous reporting systems often lead to issues being swept under the rug, and 75% of problems go unreported due to fear of retaliation.
Bold Mission: Work Shield's mission is to transform workplace cultures by creating environments of integrity and trust that protect and empower employees, the culture, and the company. Burnout and mental health issues often stem from toxic workplace cultures. Work Shield tackles toxicity head-on, leading to improved employee well-being.
Fast Resolution: Work Shield aims to resolve workplace misconduct issues within a week, addressing harassment, discrimination, safety concerns, and more. In 2023, Work Shield completed nearly 800 investigations with an average resolution time of 3.7 days, significantly faster than the national average of 25-30 days.
Upstander Culture: Work Shield promotes upstander reporting, with 77% of anonymous reports coming from individuals standing up against misconduct they witnessed.
Human Element: Work Shield emphasizes the human element, providing live support for individuals reporting incidents, ensuring a safe and secure environment for employees. It also supports the resolution process with communication skills and suggested actions.
Guest Bio
Jared S. Pope is the CEO/Founder of Work Shield. Jared grew up a Texas cowboy, became a Horned Frog (TCU) and then rode a Mustang (SMU Law) into the legal profession. After riding the great plains of legal experience at two nationally recognized law firms (Baker Botts and Fulbright) and general counsel of a mid-sized insurance brokerage company, he hung his own shingle specializing in HR, ERISA and Benefits for the past 18 years, as well as started several other companies. As an entrepreneur, HR-specialists, and innovator, Work Shield grew from an idea of how employers handle workplace misconduct issues to an innovator covering over 100K employee lives and disrupting how legal, HR, technology, DE&I and culture issues are handled by large and small companies across the U.S.A. Work Shield was recently honored as one of Fast Company's 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards in the Workplace Category! When Jared is not providing simplified business solutions, he spends time with his wife and family cooking in the kitchen, watching his two children play various sports or can be found on the golf course with friends!
