Research

Has any research been done on the effectiveness of The Way Back in organizations?

To date, we have conducted a study of active The Way Back members, including leaders and individual contributors from various departments such as IT, Recruiting, Training, Finance, Marketing, and Sustainability*.

High level results are below.

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Workplace Engagement

Attending The Way Back gatherings has a positive impact on the level of workplace engagement of group members by:

  • Creating a sense of belonging
  • Connecting departments
  • Helping group members feel more ready to take on the day

In each of these areas, approximately 95% of participants agreed there is a positive impact.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Attending The Way Back gatherings increases engagement by creating a sense of belonging.

“It makes me think about how I interact with others and how I approach my work relationships. I am a pretty open and honest person but this group has encouraged me to share on a deeper level.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Connecting Departments

Cross-departmental connection helps establish relationships with group members and helps them to better understand goals of different areas of the business.

“I have more familiarity with colleagues outside of my department and understand their goals and obstacles better.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

“It encourages me to invite others to join in on the daily ritual of starting the day of with inspiration, aiding in bringing multiple departments together to learn more about each other.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Feeling Ready to Take on the Day

Attending The Way Back gatherings increases engagement by helping members feel more ready to take on the day.

“Attending adds a confident ‘no challenge is too difficult’ state of mind.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

“The insight, philosophies and overall mood of the group helps me to set the pace for the day, both in attitude and goals.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Creating a Sense of Community

When asked what other ways the group impacts their level of engagement in the workplace, the major theme was the fact that the group creates a sense of community.

“This group has encouraged me to share on a deeper level." – Anonymous Survey Participant

"Attending the group introduces me to new people around the company that I normally wouldn’t interact with.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

“This group creates stronger relationships and connections in the office.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Skills Impact

Over 50% of participants agreed that attending The Way Back gatherings has a positive impact on:

  • Leadership skills
  • Listening skills
  • Increased productivity
  • Being challenged to help others

Leadership Skills

  • Attending The Way Back gatherings helps participants with their leadership skills by increasing their confidence and helping them with public speaking when they discuss topics or read the days spark out loud.
  • 68% of people surveyed agreed that attending has a positive impact on leadership skills.

“I had lost a lot of confidence in my last job. Attending has helped me with public speaking and to find my own voice.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

“The group discussions have helped me grow during a pivotal point in my career.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Productivity

Over 50% of participants have seen an increase in productivity due to attending the gathering.

“I feel better prepared to approach my workload knowing that I’m not alone in troubles and struggles I have in the workplace.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Challenged Members to Help Others

  • Attending The Way Back gatherings bridges gaps between departments.
  • 86% of people surveyed agreed that attending The Way Back gatherings challenged them to help others.

“It encourages me to invite others to join in on the daily ritual of starting the day off with inspiration, aiding in bringing multiple departments together.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

“I have more familiarity with colleagues outside of my department and understand their goals and obstacles better.” – Anonymous Survey Participant

Listening Skills

When asked in what other ways The Way Back gatherings impacted their skills, one common theme was listening. One member stated that the group “helps with communication and listening.” Yet another member simply stated, “Listening!” 

* Future plans to expand the study include partnering with a local university. View the Full Action Research Report.