Michigan Works! Association chosen for first-of-its-kind workplace culture training program

LANSING (March 22, 2024) - The Michigan Works! Association (MWA) will soon be able to offer an innovative new training program for employers specializing in creating a caring workplace culture.

MWA was chosen to pilot the Caring Workforce program, developed by the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities, focused on improving workplaces by creating a culture focused on caring and communication, in addition to performance. The program partners with organizations to impact collective impact by building leaders with the skills and courage to care in order to transform families, workplaces and communities.

“The Caring Workplace program is about listening and leading to transform workplace culture,” said Michigan Works! Association Director of Strategic Initiatives Natasha Allen. “Our Association is proud to be chosen for to pilot this innovative program and is excited to bring its transformative strategies to our partners across the state.”

The training equips people with the tools for listening, empathy, leadership, care and service, allowing care to permeate every aspect of the organization’s culture and community. The three-phase program builds on individual leadership skill sets by creating an opportunity for new learning. It includes various on-demand courses and learning through different forms such as workshops, podcasts, and videos.

After the success of the pilot, Michigan Works! Association will be able to provide the innovative training to Michigan Works agency staff and employers, transforming Michigan workplaces into more caring settings.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with forward thinking organizations like the Michigan Works! Association,” said Misty Janks, CEO of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities. “Their dedication to creating a caring workplace and prioritizing employee well-being aligns with our vision for this program. We believe this partnership presents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth while positively impacting the organization and its community.”

In Michigan, Upper Peninsula Michigan! Works and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County were also chosen for the pilot program. For more information on the program, visit https://chapmancommunities.org/partner/.

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.

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