WorkInspired

About the Author

Aron Ain, the CEO of Kronos, a global provider of workforce management and human-capital management cloud solutions, has transformed his company into a billion-dollar enterprise through a culture of inspiration and engagement. Ain's leadership style has earned him numerous accolades, including Glassdoor’s Highest Rated CEO honor and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. His philosophy centers on the belief that a truly great business is powered by a passionate and engaged workforce.

Main Idea

In WorkInspired: How to Build an Organization Where Everyone Loves to Work, Aron Ain outlines his approach to creating a workplace where employees are not just satisfied, but inspired. By focusing on employee development and engagement, Ain demonstrates how leaders can build a thriving, innovative, and high-performing organization. His principles challenge leaders to "walk the talk" and genuinely prioritize their people, fostering an environment of trust, communication, and fun.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. From “Like” to “Love”
3. Walking the Talk
4. Become an Un-Leader
5. Overcommunicate
6. Trust Them (Again and Again)
7. Hold Managers Accountable
8. Get Serious About Strategy
9. Have Fun
10. Astonish Them With Kindness
11. Give Employees Their Time Back
12. Celebrate to Motivate
13. Put Yourself Out of Business

Introduction

Aron Ain introduces the reader to Kronos and its evolution from a company where employees simply "liked" to work to one where they "loved" to work. This transformation was driven by a deep commitment to employee engagement and a culture branded as WorkInspired. Kronos, under Ain's leadership, focused on three core competencies: character, competence, and collaboration. These principles were integrated into every aspect of the business, from performance goals to reward programs.

From “Like” to “Love”

Initially, Kronos employees liked their workplace but did not see it as extraordinary. Ain's mission was to shift this sentiment by fostering a unique and inspiring culture. By 2010, with the hiring of a new chief people officer, Kronos performed an extensive analysis of engagement drivers, identifying development and innovation as key factors. This led to the institutionalization of a culture where employees felt deeply connected to the company's mission and strategy.

Walking the Talk

Ain emphasizes the importance of aligning words with actions. Kronos introduced new programs and benefits based on employee feedback, ensuring that these initiatives were well-communicated and valued. This alignment created a robust culture of engagement, with 87% of employees reporting strong engagement, significantly higher than the industry norm.

Become an Un-Leader

Aron Ain advocates for a leadership style he terms "Un-Leader." This approach emphasizes humility, recognizing that success is a collective effort rather than a result of individual contributions. Un-Leaders focus on the welfare and development of their team members, fostering an environment of respect and collaboration.