Workplace democracy impacts retention at IT organization

The empowerment and passion fostered by democracy in the workplace is having a positive impact on retention at an Information Technology (IT) non-profit organization, according to Luke Walker, director of education programs.

Walker of TakingITGlobal says the organization’s democratic approach improves employee morale and engagement which drives retention.

The group was selected as a finalist for the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces 2007.

TakingITGlobal employs a young workforce with many recent graduates who are in their first or second career experience.

Unlike many other entry-level situations, TakingITGlobal offers young people the space to be creative in their jobs, to take risks, and to make many more decisions than they might in other positions.

While this can be stressful and not for everyone, in general the people the organization attracts and those who thrive there, “because they’re so empowered, become really passionate about the work they’re doing.”

Walker adds that this is very important for retention at the non-profit organization, which can’t offer the bonuses that other organizations might in terms of ownership or compensation.

Management at TakingItGlobal is more strategic and less tactical as a democracy, he says.

“It is all about figuring out what the important goals of the organization are, communicating those, and creating the structures and space where hopefully everyone who works there, (including) volunteers, knows what their role in that goal is and is empowered to do what it takes to get that done.”

This approach is less task-oriented and more about true leadership with a focus on ensuring that “people are happy, that goals are being met, and that we’re creating a really inspiring workplace where innovation can happen.”

The democratic approach does result in more innovation, Walker adds, noting that a number of effective innovative projects have been developed by employees at TakingITGlobal. One of these is a monthly live chat to meet the organization’s strategic goal to deepen engagement and conversation on global issues, community change and activism among young people.

The live chat, while not a common TakingITGlobal tool, has turned out to be an effective means for engaging people.

Walker says innovation happens “when everybody is empowered, when everybody is thinking about how their role can best further the mission and vision of the organization.”

In terms of health of employees, the empowerment and excitement created through the democratic approach can contribute to well-being, according to Walker.

People who enjoy their jobs can expect to have an overall improved quality of life, he says, adding that “transferring some of the confidence and the attitudes that they pick up in this kind of environment to other parts of their lives is hopefully a helpful thing.”

The organization’s democratic approach prepares young people for the career world in ways most entry-level positions cannot, says the director.

He points out that TakingITGlobal provides a safe space where employees are empowered to collaborate, be innovative, take certain degrees of risk and think strategically.

“Having a whole lot of responsibility is an amazing first step, I think a much better first step, in moving forward in a career where you’re likely eventually going to be in a sink-or-swim environment.”

TakingITGlobal is a Toronto-based organization that provides the tools and space for young people to “find inspiration, access information and get involved in improving their local and global communities.”

For more about TakingITGlobal, visit www.takingitglobal.org.