5 Key Steps to Cultural Transformation By Al Lopus

Create a Transformation in Your Workplace Culture

What transformation happens when an organization prioritizes its people just as much as its mission? Can transforming workplace culture truly lead to measurable success? At 4KIDS, the answers to these questions are a resounding yes. Through innovative leadership and a commitment to faith-based values, this organization has redefined what it means to create a thriving workplace that directly impacts its mission.

In a recent Outcomes Conference workshop, Kevin Enders, President emeritus of 4KIDS, revealed how the organization underwent a transformational journey, fostering a flourishing workplace culture while enhancing its operational effectiveness. Focused on supporting children in crisis, 4KIDS made remarkable strides in employee engagement, retention, and financial savings by emphasizing culture, transparency, and team-building. Here’s how they achieved this extraordinary turnaround.

1. Annual Culture Survey and Action Plans

The foundation of 4KIDS’ transformation lies in an annual employee engagement survey conducted with Best Christian Workplaces. In his first year as CEO, Kevin Enders highlighted the importance of using this feedback to identify strengths and address areas for improvement.

Specific strategies included:

• Enhanced Communication: Regular all-staff meetings offered updates on organizational decisions, finances, and goals, building trust and understanding.
• Inclusive Strategic Planning: Town halls and focus groups encouraged staff input, fostering ownership and collective commitment.
• Actionable Feedback: Leadership addressed survey themes through workshops and one-on-one discussions, ensuring employees saw their voices valued and acted upon.

These efforts built transparency, trust, and a stronger connection to the organization’s mission.

2. Intentional Investment in Employee Development

4KIDS recognized that investing in its people was critical for success. To address compensation concerns and promote growth, the organization took these steps:

• Competitive Pay Bands: Aligning salaries with industry standards demonstrated a commitment to valuing staff contributions.
• Growth Opportunities: Personalized development plans and professional training helped employees see a future within the organization.
• Leadership Mentoring: Senior leaders nurtured emerging talent through mentorship, creating a robust pipeline for future growth.

This focus on development boosted retention and satisfaction and created a culture of continual growth.

3. Spiritual Rhythms and Christ-Centered Leadership

A defining feature of 4KIDS is its commitment to faith. Kevin integrated spiritual practices into daily operations to unify the team and keep the mission Christ-centered.

These included:

Weekly devotionals and prayer times.

• Daily departmental prayer hours.
• Leadership Bible studies that connected Scripture with organizational goals.
• Such practices reinforced the ministry’s values and energized the team with a shared purpose.

4. Measurable Impact and Financial Savings

By improving its culture, 4KIDS achieved dramatic results:

• Employee engagement rose from 53% to over 90%.
• Turnover dropped below 7%, far outperforming the industry average of 35%.
• Disengagement costs decreased from $700,000 to $200,000 annually, freeing resources to expand its mission.

These changes enabled the organization to double its budget, expand services, and reach more children and families without compromising financial stewardship.

5. Sustaining Growth Through Culture

To maintain its momentum, 4KIDS prioritizes continuous cultural assessment and celebrates successes, fostering gratitude and enthusiasm across the team.

Culture as the Cornerstone of Mission Impact

The 4KIDS story illustrates the power of intentional culture-building. By focusing on transparency, employee development, and faith-driven leadership, they’ve created a workplace where people thrive and the mission flourishes.

This blueprint offers valuable insights for organizations seeking sustainable success through purpose-driven culture transformation.

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Al Lopus, co-founder and Board Chair of the Best Christian Workplaces (BCW), brings expertise, vision, and passion to organizational health within Christian-based environments. He is the author of Road to Flourishing: Eight Keys to Boost Employee Engagement and Well-being and hosts The Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast. Al serves on the Christian Leadership Alliance Advisory Council.

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Meet Al Lopus at the Outcomes Conference in Dallas, April 29 – May 1, 2025.

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