By Debbie Bolla

Kevin Silva has a pretty solid understanding of what today’s employees are looking for: a sense of inclusion and purpose, a diverse work environment, expanded benefits offerings that include financial wellness, and opportunities to grow. With this in mind, the CHRO of Voya Financial led a cultural transformation at the organization, designing a “One Voya” culture that has earned the company recognition as a certified Great Place to Work®. And now more than ever, leading candidates are looking to contribute to an employer of choice.

“We don’t fill boxes at Voya—we bring people in for careers and grow them across the organization,” Silva says. “We look at their aspirations and challenge them, and this approach helps create a ‘One Voya’ concept.”

Voya’s culture is also driving satisfied and engaged employees. A recent third-party engagement survey found:

• ninety-five percent of employees say they are proud of where they work;
• ninety-three percent say the organization has a great atmosphere; and
• ninety-three percent report that their work provides them with great challenges.

Silva’s efforts and initiatives helped earn him a 2018 CHRO of the Year Award. Learn more about his approach to the workforce in the cover story, Culture by Design.

For HR leaders looking to elevate their culture, there’s even more advice in Finding the Right Fit. A good place to start is by evaluating the current state of organizational culture and decoding opportunities to improve. A three-step cultural audit, in which organizations ask, document, and analyze, provides a road map to understanding, improving, and establishing the right work environment.

Because as many HR leaders already know: Culture eats strategy for breakfast.