Warren City Schools Food Service employees kicked off the 2025-2026 school year discussing expectations and strategies for building a healthy and positive workplace culture.
The department, during two professional development sessions, discussed establishing a productive work environment and using five guiding principles to build a positive staff culture. These standards create a supportive and efficient workplace where every team member can thrive:
- Show up ready to work.
- Express yourself professionally.
- Respond with respect.
- Value teamwork.
- Exceed expectations.
As Staff Culture Builders, we strive to connect with each person on a personal level. If that doesn’t come naturally, resources like The 4 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace can help foster stronger, more meaningful relationships:
- Words of Affirmation – Using verbal praise, compliments, or written notes to express appreciation and encouragement.
- Quality Time – Giving someone your full attention, such as one-on-one conversations or team activities, to show you value them.
- Acts of Service – Helping lighten someone’s load by assisting with tasks or providing support when needed. 4. Tangible Gifts – Giving thoughtful items or tokens that show you know and appreciate the recipient’s preferences.
In the second session which served as the Food Service Department’s Back to School meeting, building a healthy and positive workplace culture was a key topic. Guest presenter Lucien Blackwell of RBC Financial Services emphasized that culture must be conducive to success and is something you can feel in the workplace. He reminded staff that effective communication is about understanding and alignment, with only 10% being the words spoken and 90% the way they are expressed.
The session closed with a powerful message: Rules without relationship always equal rebellion.
