Kim’s Message: Bringing Aloha into Your Workplace

Each year, I attend an annual conference sponsored by a sister association. We gather with colleagues from across the U.S. to share best practices and provide more resources to our own members. Last month, the Hawai’i Employers Council hosted our conference in beautiful Honolulu, Hawai’i. Everywhere we went, we received the greeting, “Aloha”. But I never understood the full meaning of this word until Aaron Sala, the CEO of the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau, spoke with our group.

Understanding the Spirit of Aloha

In Hawai’i, Aloha actually means "with love" or “sharing of breath,” and it symbolizes a deeper connection from person to person or within a community, recognizing another person’s full existence. When this greeting is brought into a business, it transforms the workplace from a cold transactional space into a community of relational accountability. Saying “Aloha” means that I value and respect you as a whole person. The Hawaiian culture places importance on the philosophy that how each one of us “shows up” impacts everyone around us. When they reference the “aloha spirit,” Hawaiians are talking about a community culture, understanding that everything is connected and energy flows in and out. They believe that when creating a company culture, employees who feel recognized and valued don't just "show up" for a paycheck—because they belong to something bigger than themselves.

Why Belonging is Your Best Business Strategy

The Hawaiian culture believes that if employees don’t feel a sense of belonging inside your office walls, they can’t sell your product or service to the outside world. Belonging is the "secret sauce" that drives:

• Retention: People stay where they feel seen.
• Productivity: Ownership thrives in a supportive environment.
• Risk Reduction: A sense of belonging leads to fewer conflicts and stabilized team dynamics.
• Reputation: Your employees are your most powerful brand ambassadors.

The Reality Check: If belonging isn't showing up at your office, it’s because it hasn't been operationalized. Belonging isn't a "vibe"—it's a system. So, it needs to be incorporated into all aspects of your business—your policies, practices, and leadership decisions.

Bringing Aloha Into Your Workplace:

Want to bring some “Aloha” into your workplace? If so, focus on four key areas:

1. Standards: Define the benchmarks for excellence in your Employee Handbook, leadership team, and department team meetings.
2. Education: Continually educate your team—investing in your employees reinforces trust. Incorporate Maxwell DISC and CliftonStrengths assessments into your workforce so employees can learn more about themselves and their teammates.  Link Disc webinar
3. Policy Influence: Create policies and procedures that allow your business to run more smoothly and your people to thrive.
4. Advisory: Provide clarity of responsibility and relationship that allows for true role ownership with strong job descriptions, regular one-on-one meetings, stay interviews, and annual performance reviews.

The Bottom Line—Places of Purpose

Wisdom isn't just about having information; it’s about knowing how to foster human connection within a professional framework. By operationalizing "Aloha," we ensure that our organizations aren't just places of work, but places of purpose. Thank you, Hawai’i, for these reminders!