Why speak up culture matters and how it helps you retain talent in 2024

We have heard ‘speak up culture’ thrown around as a part of organisational need. But why does it truly matter if an organisation helps their employees speak up? And how can it help them build trust with their organisation, so they remain happy and fulfilled in their organisation?  

Let’s find out the power to speaking up.  

Why speak up culture matters

In a speak up culture, employees are assured and motivated to raise concerns and share ideas openly. It's a culture free from the fear of repercussions for speaking one’s mind, fostering active engagement, respect, and meaningful exchanges across the organisation.

This environment nurtures collaboration, trust, and responsibility, spurring constructive developments and organisational progress.

How speak up culture helps you retain talent

The primary deterrent for employee to speak up is the anxiety about retaliation. The worry over adverse outcomes, such as missed promotion opportunities, social isolation at work, or job loss, highlights the need for cultivating a trust-centric workplace.  

However, a culture that encourages speaking up is just as vital for talent retention as it is for spotting and addressing wrongdoing within an organisation. A speak up culture does the following:

1. Creates a safe space which fosters loyalty

In the pursuit of retaining talent, creating a safe space for employees to voice concerns is crucial. When employees feel secure in speaking up, they develop a sense of loyalty to their employer.

This safety net is a form of emotional and professional assurance that their contributions are valued beyond their day-to-day tasks.  

2. Uses transparency as a recruitment tool

Transparency isn’t just a phrase; it's a critical recruitment tool. Job seekers are increasingly drawn to companies that are open about their processes and responsive to feedback.

By promoting a transparent speak-up culture, you signal to potential recruits that they are entering a workplace where their voice can make a difference.

3. Boosts compliance: The foundation of a positive workplace

Compliance is often viewed through a legal lens, but its impact on workplace positivity is undeniable. A culture that complies with HR policies and regulations is one that respects the rights and voices of its employees.

This respect translates into higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover.  

Speaking up as a tool for organisational success

Organisations must lower barriers to get people to speak up; so, people aren’t scared of retaliation.  

SpeakUp, our industry-leading platform, offers many a fully anonymous reporting channel where employees can voice their concerns without complex checkboxes. Get in touch with us to take the first step towards a speak up culture.