How Strong CEO-HR Partnerships Drive 90% Employee Satisfaction: Insights from AFCA’s Success
17/10/2024
At NIC Global, we understand the vital role HR plays in shaping an organization’s culture and driving employee engagement. A powerful example of this can be seen at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), where CEO David Locke has cultivated a close partnership with HR, resulting in an outstanding 90% employee satisfaction rate.
In this article, we’ll explore how a CEO-HR partnership built on trust, shared vision, and strategic collaboration can transform the workplace and why such partnerships are crucial for sustainable growth and employee well-being.
HR as the Cornerstone of Organizational Culture Employee Satisfaction
In today’s competitive business environment, HR is more than a department—it is the heart of the company. At AFCA, HR is not only responsible for recruiting talent but also for embedding values of fairness, inclusion, and kindness across the entire workforce.
As David Locke, CEO of AFCA, shares, “The HR team is central to our culture, our values, our strategy, and our direction. They’re enablers of our business.”
In an organization like AFCA, which handles financial disputes for consumers and businesses, the stakes are high. The company’s raison d’être is fairness, and that ethos is equally applied to their internal culture. Locke has always believed that HR is the key driver of this culture, helping to recruit, engage; and support a workforce passionate about justice and fairness.
CEO Support: The Secret Ingredient for HR Success Employee Satisfaction
A significant factor in AFCA’s success is David Locke’s active involvement in HR initiatives. From sponsoring Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to working closely with the People and Culture (P&C) team on strategy and leadership development, Locke’s support has been crucial.
“You want HR teams to feel confident to challenge the business, to come up with fresh ideas; and to help move the organization forward rather than just do what’s safe,” Locke explains. He believes that CEO backing gives HR the freedom to implement bold, impactful initiatives.
At NIC Global, we’ve seen firsthand how CEO endorsement can transform HR from a support function into a strategic powerhouse. The CEO-HR partnership not only enhances workplace culture but also ensures that HR strategies align with business goals.
A Collaborative Approach to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Employee Satisfaction
One standout initiative from AFCA is its Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategy, developed through close collaboration between Locke and the HR team. Launched in 2023, the strategy laid out a three-year plan designed to ensure that all employees feel safe, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
This initiative included the creation of Employee Resource Groups for various employee demographics, including those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and employees from diverse cultural backgrounds.
For Locke, these efforts align with his passion for building inclusive teams. Having experienced exclusion firsthand, Locke champions inclusive leadership at every level. At NIC Global, we believe that diverse and inclusive workplaces are more innovative, resilient, and better positioned for long-term success.
Building a Thriving Workplace Culture with ‘Flourish’ Employee Satisfaction
A critical component of AFCA’s success story is the development of the Flourish program, an initiative designed to foster a human-centered culture based on employee feedback. This program focuses on:
- Empowering teams to take ownership of their work
- Encouraging diversity in thought and action
- Fostering innovation through employee-driven ideas
- Creating a work environment that prioritizes well-being
By working together with HR to define and implement the Flourish program, Locke and the P&C team have created a culture of empowerment and innovation that engages employees at every level. At NIC Global, we see this as a blueprint for how businesses can embed a culture that supports innovation and collaboration.
Why HR Expertise Is Essential to Executive Strategy
Locke also highlights the importance of having a certified, expert HR leader at the helm. For AFCA, that leader is Mathew Paine, Chief People Officer, who has played a critical role in shaping the company’s approach to diversity, engagement, and leadership development.
“We wouldn’t recruit lawyers or accountants who weren’t properly qualified, so why would we do that with an HR professional?” Locke notes. Having an AHRI-certified HR leader ensures that the organization stays on top of changes in law, regulations, and best practices, providing vital support to the executive team.
At NIC Global, we know that having qualified HR professionals is essential for any business aiming to stay competitive and compliant in a rapidly changing environment.
Results: 90% Employee Satisfaction and a Thriving Workplace
AFCA’s success in fostering a thriving, inclusive culture is reflected in its 90% employee satisfaction rate—a result of the strong CEO-HR partnership. By working hand in hand with HR, Locke has built a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and genuinely included.
At NIC Global, we believe that this success story provides valuable lessons for businesses everywhere. The CEO-HR partnership is not just about collaboration; it’s about empowering HR to drive culture, shape strategy, and make meaningful impacts on employee satisfaction and organizational growth.
What Can CEOs and HR Leaders Learn from AFCA?
The success of AFCA demonstrates that CEOs who work closely with HR can build high-performing; engaged teams that are aligned with the company’s values and vision. At NIC Global, we help businesses create similar success stories by fostering strong partnerships between leadership and HR.
As David Locke says, “I’d never be able to do any of it without HR.” Let us help you develop the CEO-HR collaboration your business needs to thrive.
Ready to empower your HR team and build a culture of inclusion and engagement? Reach out to NIC Global to explore how our HR solutions can help you achieve these goals.
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