Investing in Employees: A Key to Building Strong Communities (Sponsored Content)

Sara Choate: Employers have responsibility to nurture leadership.

With Forward SGF’s developing comprehensive plan, the focus is on quality of place, which looks at the area’s already-built environment and how to provide the community with amenity-rich neighborhoods and commercial districts. This concept has become a North Star guideline, and among the ever-evolving business landscape, leaders are taking note of how to implement the idea into the work environment.

But what exactly is at the heart of every thriving community’s quality of place? It’s an intricate blend of cultural, artistic, natural and social elements, according to Sara Choate, managing director of human capital solutions at KPM CPAs & Advisors.

“Quality of place is employee engagement on a community level,” Choate says, adding that businesses play a pivotal role not just within their four walls but also in the broader community canvas.

Data from Springfield Business Journal’s 2023 Economic Growth Survey further underscores this sentiment. When asked about strategies for future growth, a striking 50% of respondents highlighted the importance of “developing the next generation of leaders.” This not only aligns with Choate’s emphasis on the need for community engagement programs, like Leadership Springfield, but also underscores the crucial role of nurturing leadership within organizations to ensure sustained community growth.

Looking at how businesses can effectively cultivate leadership and community spirit, Choate says it should start with business leaders.

“It’s a tremendous responsibility employers have to cultivate that environment where people feel good,” she says.

According to the SBJ survey, the top goal for businesses is building company culture, at 68%, closely followed by improving employee retention, 62%. KPM’s community-focused initiative, KPM Cares, exemplifies this commitment to community and culture. By investing in over 80 nonprofits and empowering employees to support causes they’re passionate about, Choate says KPM not only strengthens its internal culture but also enriches the wider community. When she is recruiting new staff members, she says programs like these can be a big incentive for potential hires.

“Having these opportunities to help our employees pour into causes they care about is huge,” she says. “It’s a program I love and am really proud of.”

Furthermore, in response to labor shortages, 34% of SBJ survey respondents prioritized offering continuing education and professional development. This aligns with Choate’s insights on the importance of training and development opportunities as a quality-of-place enhancer. By engaging their employees on multiple levels, she says companies like KPM ensure their workforce is equipped, not just with professional expertise, but also with the tools and mindset to give back to the community.

However, beyond numbers and strategies, Choate emphasizes a critical component: authentic dialogue. In an era where employees have more choices than ever, it’s crucial for businesses to understand and address the reasons behind their choices.

“Employers need to step back and take a hard look at why employees choose to be here,” Choate says. “What are doing well and where can we grow?”

A company culture that encourages dialogue, understands employee aspirations and crafts responsive programs will inherently boost retention and engagement, she says. Choate says when companies create a positive work environment, it has a ripple effect throughout the community.

“When we create healthy work environments where employees feel engaged, challenged and appreciated,” she says, “they can leave work at the end of the day feeling like they’ve got more to give at home and in our community.”

This article is brought to you by KPM CPAs & Advisors.