In this episode of Let's Talk About EX, Melitta MacDonald, Chief People Officer at Country Chef Bakery Co, shares her journey of transforming the company's culture and drastically reducing employee turnover from 56% to single digits.

She discusses the challenges faced during a major merger, the importance of leadership buy-in, and the strategies implemented to create a strong employer brand and engage employees effectively. Melitta emphasises the significance of listening to employees, fostering a positive work environment, and the financial impact of employee retention on the business.

Takeaways

• Culture change is possible even in high turnover industries.
• A strong employer brand attracts the right talent.
• Engagement and retention strategies must be data-driven.
• Leadership buy-in is crucial for cultural transformation.
• Listening to employees provides valuable insights for improvement.
• Investing in employee development enhances retention.
• Creating a positive work environment boosts morale.
• Effective communication fosters a sense of belonging.
• Building relationships within teams enhances collaboration.
• Sustaining engagement requires ongoing effort and strategy.