Maureen Brown joins the HRchat Podcast to reveal why employee voice isn't just another corporate buzzword—it's the untapped resource transforming workplace culture and employer branding across industries. As founder of Sullivan Brown Resourcing Partners and MySay, Maureen brings 16+ years of recruitment expertise to this conversation about why companies struggle to truly hear their employees.

We dive deep into the disconnect between conducting engagement surveys and implementing genuine listening strategies. Maureen explains why even well-intentioned HR teams and managers often can't hear feedback without bias, and how independent partners create the psychological safety essential for honest communication. "People want to feel heard," Maureen emphasizes, "and I don't know how heard you feel when you've filled in an online survey."

The conversation with Bill Banham reveals a fascinating post-pandemic shift in workplace dynamics. While pre-COVID exit interviews often contained negative feedback about direct managers, today's employees express positive sentiments about their managers while directing frustration toward leadership teams. Maureen unpacks the complex reasons behind this change—from decreased leadership visibility to middle managers increasingly identifying with their teams rather than with leadership.

Perhaps most compelling is Maureen's challenge to conventional employer branding approaches. Rather than investing in slick recruitment websites or referral schemes, she advocates for fostering genuine employee advocacy through meaningful listening practices. "There's nothing more powerful than genuine advocacy," she asserts, pointing to the missed opportunity when companies fail to amplify authentic employee voices.

Whether you're struggling with retention, rebuilding your culture post-pandemic, or simply wanting to strengthen your employer brand, this episode offers actionable insights on creating psychological safety, conducting effective stay interviews, and transforming employee feedback into strategic advantage. Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn or visit sullivanbrown.co.uk and mi-say.com to learn more about amplifying employee voice in your organization.

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