silo to synergy: journeys towards a unified organisation

Voice Project - silo to synergy

Many organisations struggle with a silo mentality, which impedes daily operations and inhibits organisational agility. Voice Project’s Change Challenge recognises organisations and teams that have measurable and meaningful improvements to their workplace. Hear from award winning organisations taking on silo mentality and achieving significant improvements in engagement & performance. Read about their journeys below.

Award Winners

Large category winner 2016 - Downer Rail

Listen to the CEO of Downer Rail, Michael Miller speak on the continuing journey towards 'One Downer'

Downer Rail employs more than 1,400 people at approximately 20 sites across Australia delivering total rail asset solutions to its customers. Along with the other Divisions of Downer Group, Downer Rail has traditionally operated largely autonomously. As a consequence communication, cross-unit cooperation and understanding of the group's overall vision and strategy was poor. The organisation was frank and open about their shortcomings and built a collaborative approach to address them and become 'One Downer'.

Since starting to measure employee engagement last year, Downer Rail has achieved a decrease in turnover by 40% and increased their utilisation rate by 19%.

Medium category winner 2016 - InvoCare NSW Cemetery Crematoria

Watch the General Manager Vijay Singh & Operations Manager Bruce Knight of InvoCare's NSW Cemetery Crematoria speak about the challenges and successes overcoming an inwardly focused, adversarial team culture

InvoCare is an international provider of funeral, cemetery, crematoria, and related services. It is a market leader in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore employing 1400 people. InvoCare owns and operates 9 cemeteries and crematoria throughout New South Wales. In 2013, staff engagement survey results found an inwardly focused, adversarial and unhelpful work environment.

Through focusing on people and building a unified team they have achieved over the last year a 10% increase in revenue and a 22% increase in customer satisfaction.

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Small category winner 2016 - Deakin University Digital Engagement Solutions & Platforms.

Listen to the Director DESP Deakin University, Lynn Warneke speak on how she has reshaped her work area to support the larger needs of the organisation

Deakin University, Victoria is in the top 3% of the world's universities according to international rankings, with approximately 3750 staff supporting 5200 course enrolments. Deakin University Digital Engagement Solutions & Platforms supports the university in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. After years of rapid transformation and disruption to its remit, the team was disconnected from their purpose and struggling to meet the demands placed upon them.

After working to develop a shared vision for how the team supports the organisation, integrating into the eSolutions division and shaping themselves to meet their new role, absenteeism dropped by 7 days per employee and service reliability has markedly increased .

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Change Challenge Awards

Our work impacts not only our lives, but the the lives of all employees, stakeholders and the wider community. Voice Project’s Change Challenge recognises organisations and teams that have measurable and meaningful improvements to their workplace.

2016 Change Challenge finalists were selected from 980 eligible teams and organisations based on positive improvement in employee engagement, progress and specific work place practices. We would like to congratulate each organisation or division who was a finalist for the positive organisational changes they have achieved:

  • Anglicare (Bondi)

  • Deakin University (various divisions)

  • Downer Rail

  • Bankstown City Aged Care (Yallambee Village)

  • Mission Australia

  • InvoCare (NSW Cemetery Crematoria)

  • Parenting Research Centre

Western Sydney University (Vice-President, Finance and Resources)

Judging Panel 

The winners of the 2015 award were chosen by an expert judging panel. Judges independently reviewed and scored submissions from the finalists to determine the winners. This year’s judging panel included:

Louise Carmichael
Head of Change Portfolio Management
Westpac Group

Vanessa Fudge
Director
Altus Q

Susan Henry
Head of People & Culture
Starlight Children's Foundation

Cheri Ostroff
Chair in Management
University of South Australia

Dr Peter Langford
Director
Voice Project

To start your change journey call 1800 886 423 or email enquiries@voiceproject.com.