INSIGHTS
Guides, resources, and blog posts
RESOURCES
Guide: BUILDING A VALUES-BASED CULTURE
In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, companies are realizing the critical importance of shared values in attracting and retaining top talent, as well as meeting the expectations of stakeholders, investors, and consumers. Many companies find themselves struggling to translate values into actionable strategies that foster a sense of community, meaning, and well-being among their team, especially in the face of remote and hybrid work models.
To address this challenge, Next Big Thing created a comprehensive guide that explores the significance of shared values and provides simple, practical strategies for creating a strong culture rooted in these values. Download this guide to gain insights into how shared values can improve workplace culture, enhance operations, drive social responsibility programs, and strengthen teams.
EVENT: Listening to gen-z
We hosted a frank and dynamic conversation that dug into integrating the people- and planet-first mindset of Gen-Z. This event encompassed hopeful visions for the future of work as well as simple, concrete practices that can be integrated into any workplace to promote a people-first culture.
Our co-Founder Michael Braithwaite was joined by:
Rocco Kayiatos — As the former Chief Marketing Officer at FOLX Health, Rocco helped launch the company from seed funding to Series B.
Nadya Okamoto — Nadya is the Gen Z co-founder of August, a lifestyle brand leading the fight to dismantle period stigma for all menstruators, regardless of gender or background.
BLOG
Our take on the future of work, founder well-being, and workplace culture.
Explore how building a thriving feedback culture is key to attracting top talent and driving organizational growth in our latest installment of "The Worthwhile Workplace" series. Discover how to normalize candid feedback across all levels of your company.
Cultivating psychological safety is key for founders to build values-driven, innovative company cultures. Here’s what psychological safety is, why it's important, and how founders can nurture it.
As a mindful startup founder navigating the transformative journey from scrappy beginnings to rapid scale, it’s paramount to consider how to stay true to the authentic values that ignited your company's founding.
If you’re an early-stage founder looking to build a values-based culture centered around transparency, trust, wellbeing and balance, radical flexibility should be one of the cornerstones. This innovative approach is part of a growing movement reimagining the employee experience for the better.
In our ongoing series The Conscious Founder, we explore the foundational steps for embedding inclusivity and authenticity within your culture's DNA.
From early-stage companies to established organizations, one thing is crystal clear: culture isn't just a set of values on paper; it's a living, breathing entity that flows from the top—from founders, starting early.
Gen Z is bringing new perspectives on work-life balance, community impact, and stakeholder relationships to the workplace. How can we blend the passion and promise of Gen Z with the experience of older generations to usher in a new era of better practices that benefit people and the planet?
As Gen Z enters the workforce, their values are disrupting norms. But fostering intergenerational workplace cultures leads to strength. Here are 5 ways to bridge divides and unlock the power of your multi-gen teams.
The ongoing CSR revolution parallels a "back-to-school" moment for businesses—a commitment to ongoing growth and positive change. Here’s what we would include in our CSR 101 class…
Recent Supreme Court rulings have left marginalized communities seeking solutions. In such challenging times, businesses can step up, aligning with grassroots organizations to amplify the voices of the unheard. How? By leveraging their influence, resources, and platforms to enact meaningful change.
As we reach the halfway point in the year, we are using this as a perfect time to check in about our work and our lives and the balance between both.
Learn how to create a strong values-based organizational culture that fosters a sense of community and meaning among employees. Download our guide for real-world examples and creative approaches to building a values-driven workplace.
Multiverse of impact newsletters
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March, 2024
This issue highlights building scalable cultures of collective well-being, features the self-compassion gaming startup Kinder World's approach to nurturing mental health, and explores exceptional workplace cultures that prioritize employee needs. It also discusses the productivity benefits of "chronoworking", and provides a new perspective on addressing AI anxiety.
Cover Image by CollageSoul -
February, 2024
This issue explores building autonomous and flexible startup cultures that foster trust and well-being, including examples of positive workplace cultures. It also explores strategic slowness (prioritizing thoughtfulness over blind pursuit of speed and scale).
Cover Image by Andrea Calisi -
January, 2024
This issue explores building inclusive and authentic organizational cultures, managing with a strengths-based approach, prioritizing ethical and sustainable growth over excessive scaling, embracing AI's potential to augment work while being transparent about its impact, and cultivating new narratives around work as the era of modernity closes.
Covery Image by CollageSoul -
December, 2023
Our final issue of 2023 focuses on a core value of our own workplace culture: rest. Winter is all about taking a break, so this issue features little to do directly with work, instead focusing on giving our readers some inspiration to unwind.
Cover image: “by Nana Bruce -
Nov, 2023
It's time to stop trying to fill jobs by solely looking for "people whose skills and experience demonstrated they had 'done this work before'" and get out of the "overfished ponds of academia and competitive organizations." Instead, get creative with what constitutes desirable credentials.
Cover image: by Severe Paper -
OCTOBER, 2023
Description goGen Z is disrupting workplace norms with new values around purpose, transparency, and work-life balance. Discover how emphasizing shared values like inclusion and work-life balance can nurture cultures ready to meet tomorrow's challenges.
Cover image: “Flowers” by Paula Codoner
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SEPTEMBER, 2023
The Zebras Unite Movement is making waves globally, with Japan including "Zebra companies" in its landmark economic policy. Zebras represent a change in mindset where values, company culture, and strategies intertwine to foster a harmonious societal impact.
Cover image: "Unrestrained Summer Fun” by Ren Strapp. -
AUGUST, 2023
Work-life balance has been a hot topic, considering the rising burnout rates, caregiving challenges, and a shift in how workers perceive meaning. But there's an even better approach, according to Harvard professor Danielle Allen: work-life-civic balance.
Cover image by Kate Dehler -
JULY, 2023
Play isn't just for kids—it's a game-changer for shaping a better workplace and a better world. Embracing playfulness can ignite our creativity, inspire innovation, and drive sustainable practices. Let's play our way to a brighter tomorrow!
Cover image: "Summer Pool" by Tony Cuenca -
JUNE, 2023
Employees and stakeholders are demanding more than a mission statement; they want companies to align with their values and actively practice them in everything from workplace culture and policies to CSR programs. This requires a strong values-based culture.
Cover image by Javier Allegue Barros -
MAY, 2023
Derek Thompson foresees a fourth work revolution catalyzed by the pandemic, emphasizing remote work and flexibility. AI tools signal a shift that could dismantle prevalent "workism" in the U.S., fostering healthier lives and communities.
Cover image: Under the Cherry Blossom Moon -
APRIL, 2023
When you think of forest stewardship, what comes to mind? Likely not mini-forests planted and maintained by urban companies to improve the quality of life for their employees and the surrounding community. Meet Roseline Desgroux of Alvéoles en ville.
Cover image: “The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland” -
MARCH, 2023
We help our clients collaborate with frontline communities and grassroots groups through social responsibility programs, emphasizing indigenous conservation insights and collaboration for equitable climate solutions.
Cover image by Female Pentimento
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FEBRUARY 2023
February, a naturally reflective month, also celebrates Black History Month, honoring Black Americans' profound achievements and contributions. Black business leaders are pioneering anti-burnout cultures, advancing DEI, and enhancing impactful CSR.
Cover image: “Cherry Blossoms,” artist unknown -
JANUARY, 2023
Humans aren't inherently destructive, we're a custodial species. The story we tell about ourselves will determine the future of humanity and a lot of other species. Let’s cultivate stories of interconnection, stewardship, and awe for the extraordinary web of life.
Cover image: "Blue Fox," by Franz Marc
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DECEMBER, 2022
How can we all bring forth our creative energies to individually act and collectively mobilize those around us to achieve a net positive future? The answer isn’t merely technological and includes designing cities and our lives for happiness, circularity, and community.
Cover image: “River Nile, Sudan,” U.S. Geological Survey -
NOVEMBER, 2022
The U.S. Surgeon General urges supportive workplace leadership for mental well-being. The disability narrative is driving innovation and redefining work. Forbes' "Mindset Matters" highlights the move towards a more inclusive work culture.
Cover image by Clara Duper -
OCTOBER, 2022
The Deloitte Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey finds these generations are pressing their employers to tackle climate change in ways that involve them — too bad businesses are still missing opportunities to drive deeper and broader action.
Cover image: “Little One” by Clare Elsaesser