SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2025HR TECH OUTLOOK8In MyOpinionMatt Becker is the senior director of human resources at Red River Co-op, a retailer of food and fuel in Winnipeg, MB, a husband and a proud dad to a wonderful six-year-old. My daughter, Ellie, recently turned six. As my wife and I reflected on the day, we agreed that our daughter is growing up to be an intelligent, independent, and empathetic child. We aren't perfect parents, but we like to believe that at least some of our child's success is attributable to how we have supported, encouraged and guided her in her formative years.As I ruminated more on the topic, I realized that there are more parallels between raising a child and being a good employer than I had previously recognized. I am neither a parenting expert nor an authority on workplace culture, but I am immersed in both disciplines on a daily basis and can share the following observations:1. Rewards and perks can have a strong impact at the moment, but that impact is usually short-lived. Ellie was thrilled as she opened her presents and was genuinely grateful for each gift. However, I can guarantee that only a select few will be enjoyed for years to come. Some are already forgotten. Worse ­ there is now an expectation that she will receive a similar quantity of gifts next year, which may not be sustainable. 2. The biggest drivers of a successful leader/employee or parent/child relationship are intangible. There are many excellent resources available that can help you build a successful rewards and recognition program if that's what you're looking to do ­ but generally, the return on investment is low. I will focus on the intangible elements of workplace culture that, in my experience, are infinitely more impactful. Here are my top ten questions that leaders should reflect on:1. `Am I approachable?' Your employees should feel comfortable bringing any problem they are facing to you­particularly if it's an `I screwed up' moment ­ and know that you'll help them solve it without judgment. When you aren't approachable, the problems don't stop ­ they just stop involving you in the solution. This increases the potential that they will hide their mistakes. Approachable equals safe. 2. `Do I lead with empathy?' Good leaders recognize that sometimes, it is their job to be the soft FOCUS ON THE INTANGIBLES TO BUILD A WINNING WORKPLACE CULTUREMatt Becker, Senior Director, Human Resources, Red River Co-opByMatt Becker
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