Designing Awesome Workplaces

Melanie Fisher

🎓 Excellent EX Certified Designer

I am Mel, the Co-Founder of The People and Culture Collective, a business I established with Gemma Stringer in 2021. With over 15 years of experience in people and culture, I am passionate about creating positive and productive employee experiences (EX) that drive engagement and performance. Being a certified EX designer means I am able to assist clients to co-creating people strategies that align with both the company's vision and goals and that add mutual value to their people’s experience at work. I have a strong commitment to the mindsets of employee-centered design and this flows through to how we approach our work with clients. I believe this is what sets us apart from others in our space. Over the course of my career, I've held positions such as Global Head of People and Culture at Allpress Espresso International, Head of People at Rush Digital and HR Manager at Online Republic. These roles have equipped me with an understanding of best practices in people and culture initiatives and HR compliance. At The People and Culture Collective, our mission is to enable organisations to lead and manage all aspects of people and culture effectively. This includes providing expert guidance in areas such as culture and engagement, employee experience design, people strategy, leadership coaching, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and talent acquisition. My goal is to continue making a positive impact in the world of people and culture, helping companies achieve their objectives while nurturing and valuing their most important asset: their people.

Community Series Volume 10 with Melanie Fisher.

Your passion for creating amazing workplaces is contagious! Can you give us a glimpse?

Hey there! I'm one of the Founders at The People and Culture Collective. My job is all about making work awesome for our clients' workplaces. You know how some workplaces feel like a second home, where you're excited to go every day? That's what I help create for our clients. So, my days are filled with co-creating people activities like helping companies build amazing teams, making sure everyone's voices are heard, and creating programs that keep employees healthy and happy. Plus, I'm super passionate about making sure everyone gets a fair shot at success, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Spill the beans! What ignited your journey into employee experience design?

My journey into employee experience design actually started with a personal passion for making life better inside of work. I've always been fascinated by what makes people tick and what brings out the best in them. That curiosity naturally led me to the world of employee experience.

As for my top people tips, here they are:

‍Listen, Really Listen:The best way to understand people is by listening. Pay attention to their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from just being a good listener. And don't feel like you have to fill the silence! ‍
Empathy Rules: Put yourself in someone else's shoes. It's the golden rule for a reason. When you understand what others are going through, you can create solutions and experiences that truly resonate with them.‍
Keep Learning: The world is always changing, and so are people. Stay curious and open to learning. The more you know, the better you can adapt and design experiences that resonate.‍
Transparency: Be as open and transparent as possible. Honesty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong relationships.

Lastly, what is your workplace superpower & how would it enhance the Employee Experience?‍

If I could have a superpower at work, it would definitely be the power of "Empathy Vision."With Empathy Vision, I'd be able to instantly understand exactly how people are feeling. I'd know when they're excited about a project, when they're stressed, or even when they just need a little boost of encouragement. In a nutshell, my Empathy Vision superpower would be all about making work a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

‍

Looking to become a certified EX designer?

Discover certification

Get early access.

Professional membership