Lessons from Today's Workplace Landscape
By Navolia Bryant, Chief People Officer at Premier
In the ever-evolving business landscape, one thing remains crystal clear: talent acquisition and retention are vital components of a company's competitive edge. Nowhere is this truer than in the transportation industry, where attracting and retaining the next generation of talent continues to pose significant challenges.
In the current workplace landscape, employees hold greater sway than ever, searching for environments that not only provide attractive benefits and pay but also cultivate a feeling of belonging and camaraderie—a second home.
Strategies for Building a Robust and Inclusive Company Culture
In this post, I am sharing four strategies I have found to be beneficial to cultivate a robust and inclusive company culture that attracts and retains top talent:
#1: Define Your Vision and Values
Your company is unique amidst the vast sea of businesses. What sets you apart beyond product benefits and position in the market, are your vision and core values - your brand as a company and as an employer.
Revisiting and reaffirming these foundational principles is crucial for guiding your company's growth and success. Engage your leadership team, managers, and employees in a collaborative effort to reassess your values, ensuring alignment from top to bottom. Then, actively live out these values every day, reinforcing their importance in every aspect of your organization's operations.
#2: Foster Work-Life Balance
As the workforce evolves, so do expectations surrounding work-life balance. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their professional lives. Embrace a culture that acknowledges and supports employees' personal obligations while maintaining accountability and productivity. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that work-life balance is a top factor for employee retention, with 89% of HR professionals citing it as an important aspect of their organization's retention strategy.
By offering flexibility in work hours and locations, you empower your team to manage their professional responsibilities while tending to life's demands—a strategy that promotes overall well-being and job satisfaction.
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 Every year, we celebrate our top branch and most improved branch with our “President’s Award” and a special trip with our CEO, Jim AuBuchon. |
 Team members from across the nation come together at our annual leadership conference to grow and connect. |
#3: Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
In today's landscape, every voice holds significance. Authentic appreciation for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas not only enriches your workplace culture but also drives innovation and enhances organizational performance. Building a culture that values and respects each individual fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging all employees to contribute their unique insights and experiences.
#4: Empower Women in the Workplace
In traditionally male-dominated industries such as transportation, empowering women and championing gender diversity are essential pursuits. By creating an inclusive environment that supports women at all levels—from entry-level positions to executive roles—you not only attract top talent but also foster a more dynamic and resilient workforce.
Addressing challenges such as safety concerns and career advancement opportunities for women is crucial for building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
In Summary: Elevating Company Culture for Success
In today's global landscape, success hinges not only on technological prowess and agility but also on the ability to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive company culture. By prioritizing core values, work-life balance, embracing diversity, and championing gender equity, businesses can distinguish themselves as employers of choice. This strategic approach not only attracts and retains top talent but also fuels sustained growth and prosperity.
It's time to elevate company culture to a strategic imperative— a driving force propelling organizations forward into the new era of work.
About the Author:
Navolia Bryant, Chief People Officer at Premier Trailer Leasing, is a distinguished HR executive with over 25 years of experience. Nominated as the 2023 HR Executive of the Year and Awarded the 2023 Change Champion of the Year by DallasHR, she's renowned for her transformative leadership style.
Navolia's commitment to talent development and fostering a positive organizational culture has earned Premier Trailer Leasing accolades, including a spot on the 2021 Top 100 Places to Work list and 2024 Top Workplace by USA Today. As the former Founder of Training For Excellence, a nonprofit empowering lives through leadership development programs, Navolia's impact extends far beyond the boardroom and into the community.
With a personal philosophy centered on pursuing passion with excellence, Navolia continues to inspire and uplift individuals on their journey to success.
Connect with Navolia on LinkedIn here: 
Navolia Bryant
