We are all about the pursuit of workplace happiness this week with my guest Lori-Ann Duguay.  

LorAnn is the owner and founder of People Powered Solutions, and the author of The Happiness Factor, a delightful book filled with actionable insights for creating happy cultures drawn from Lori-Ann’s extensive experience in the HR space. 

She shines a light on the 10 fundamental needs of employees that are key to fostering a joyful and productive work environment. We discuss how effective communication and a robust onboarding process are not just nice-to-haves but essential for long-term success. The heart of our conversation centred on the importance of purpose, how as leaders we demonstrate and communicate purpose in a way that resonates across the organisation. That’s a big ask but Lori-Ann’s insights make it feel achievable for all. Press play for a hit of happiness! 

 

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-strategies-lori-ann-duguay

Key Moments 

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**Lori-Ann Duguay's Career Journey (00:04:48)**

Lori-Ann Duguay discusses her transition from a large organisation to HR consultancy and her mission to create happy and productive workplaces.

**Choosing Happiness as a Focus (00:07:17)**

Discussion on why happiness was chosen as the main focus in Lori-Ann's book and business.

**Research for the Ten Happiness Factors (00:09:54)**

Insight into the research process and the identification of the ten fundamental needs for employee happiness.

**Importance of Effective Communication (00:13:11)**

The essential role of communication in ensuring message interpretation and understanding in the workplace.

**Secrets to Successful Onboarding (00:14:56)**

The significance of a successful onboarding process and the impact on employee retention and success.

**Maintaining Purpose in the Organisation (00:20:34)**

Discussion on the importance of maintaining purpose in the organisation and making new employees feel welcomed and part of the team.

**Purpose-driven leadership (00:20:58)**

Discussion on keeping purpose at the forefront of daily tasks and how it drives motivation and resilience.

**Conveying purpose (00:22:10)**

Specific ways to convey purpose, such as storytelling, visual displays, and involving the team in the process.

**Growth plans (00:26:13)**

The importance of growth plans in mapping out career trajectory and skill development within the organisation.

**Vertical and horizontal development (00:32:54)**

Exploring the significance of both vertical and horizontal development in leadership and skill enhancement.

**Use of AI in business (00:34:36)**

Leveraging AI for administrative tasks and maintaining brand consistency in content creation.

**Best leadership tip (00:36:56)**

The importance of being human as a leader, emphasising vulnerability and empathy.

**Lack of accountability in the workplace (00:37:22)**

Highlighting the challenge of lack of accountability and its impact on organisational culture.

**Thumbs up for a remarkable leader (00:38:11)**

Acknowledgment of an exceptional leader's approach to employee engagement and visibility.

**Favourite leadership book (00:39:52)**

Recommendation of "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" for understanding high-performing team behaviours.

**Starting workplace culture transformation (00:42:30)**

The need to assess the current state using tools like the "Happiness Factor" culture check.

**The 10 needs assessment (00:42:55)**

Understanding the 10 needs and their delivery within the company, identifying areas for improvement and investment.

**Assessing the employee experience (00:42:55)**

Evaluating the current employee journey, touchpoints, and fulfilment of the 10 needs at various stages.

**Key takeaways on leadership and culture (00:44:39)**

Reflection on growth paths, buddy system for onboarding, and creating defining leadership moments.