Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Alternative Exit Podcast, Andy Farquharson is joined by Dr. Ellen Frank-Miller, a seasoned expert in workforce research and organizational development. Ellen, the founder and CEO of the Workforce and Organizational Research Center (Work), shares her expertise on the role of employee ownership in creating better workplaces. With a focus on the link between quality jobs and employee engagement, she discusses the pivotal role of leadership in shaping a culture of ownership within companies. Ellen explains how operational practices, such as giving employees more autonomy and fostering collaborative management, can ignite an ownership mindset, leading to better business outcomes. She also provides a deep dive into the scientific tools and research methods her organization uses to help businesses track progress and make informed decisions about cultivating an ownership culture.

Ellen challenges the traditional view of ownership, emphasizing that the culture around ownership is as important as the financial incentives tied to it. She outlines practical strategies that businesses can use to integrate ownership principles into their daily operations, fostering an environment where employees feel both responsible and invested in the company's success. This episode is a must-listen for leaders and business owners who want to build more engaged, loyal, and high-performing teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Ellen’s journey from HR consulting to founding WORK
• How academic research can be applied to improve business outcomes
• The connection between employee ownership and job quality
• Social exchange theory and its impact on ownership mindsets
• How to create an ownership mindset through management and autonomy
• The importance of measuring ownership behaviors with the Ownership Impact Index
• The role of leadership and communication in fostering ownership cultures
• Steps to implement an ownership culture through incremental changes
• The role of employee ownership in preserving a company’s legacy
• The various structures of employee ownership and their benefits

About Dr. Ellen Frank-Miller:

Dr. Ellen Frank-Miller is a thought leader in the field of workforce and organizational research. As the founder and CEO of the Workforce and Organizational Research Center (Work), she is committed to advancing research that links employee ownership with job quality and organizational success. Ellen’s work combines over three decades of experience in human capital strategy, research, and business transformation. She focuses on the intersection of academic research and practical application, using evidence-based methodologies to help organizations foster ownership cultures that drive business outcomes. Ellen’s insights are invaluable for companies looking to implement meaningful organizational change and create lasting improvements in employee engagement and performance.

Connect with Dr. Ellen Frank-Miller
Website: https://www.worcimpact.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenfrankmiller/
Connect with Andy Farquharson:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
Website - https://abettermonday.me/
Email - [email protected]