Facilitation Guide for “Corporate Culture Exploration” Group Activity

·      Goal of the Activity:

• • To help participants identify and reflect on what corporate culture means to them and how it aligns with their career goals and personal values.

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• • Welcome & Introductions:
  • Welcome, everyone, to the activity. Briefly explain the purpose of the session: to explore what kind of work environment best supports their career satisfaction and personal growth.
  • Encourage participants to share a little about themselves (e.g., what brought them to this activity or what they hope to gain from it).
  • Note that this activity is designed to help them understand the values that will enable them to thrive in a workplace.
  • Explain Corporate Culture:
  • Define corporate culture for the group in simple terms: “Corporate culture is the environment or vibe of a workplace. It includes things like company values, communication styles, and the support they provide for employees.”
  • Highlight the importance of identifying a work environment that aligns with personal values for long-term satisfaction.

2. Group Activity (10–15 minutes)

      Distribute Worksheets:

o   Hand out the “Corporate Culture Exploration” worksheets.

o   Ensure each participant has a pen or marker and encourage them to follow along as you guide them through the activity.

·       Instructions for Young Adults and Job-Transitioning Adults (Group Split):

o   For Young Adults: Focus on the “Top Priorities” section, where they identify what’s most important in their first job or internship. Discuss workplace values like flexibility, creativity, and self-care.

o   Read the examples of corporate culture elements (e.g., career growth, communication avenues, self-care, etc.).

o   Select the top three things that matter most to you in a workplace.

o   Tip: Think about the kind of workplace where you would feel comfortable, energized, and motivated to grow.

o   For Job-Transitioning Adults: Guide them to think about what aspects of corporate culture are crucial as they transition to a new job. This might involve looking at things like career growth opportunities, work-life balance, and company support systems.

Tip: Allow participants to circle or highlight the top three elements that resonate with them most. Encourage them to think of past jobs or experiences for context.

3. Reflection and Group Discussion (15 minutes)

• Group Reflection Questions:
  • Ask the group to reflect on the questions from the worksheet and allow them to share their thoughts with the group:
    • “Why are these priorities important to your career satisfaction?”
    • “What type of work environment do you see yourself thriving in?”
    • ” What specific workplace values (e.g., collaboration, creativity, flexibility) would support your success and make you feel at ease?
  • Use these questions as a discussion starter. Invite a few participants to share their responses and encourage others to speak up if they agree or have similar thoughts.
• Group Sharing:
  • If time allows, have participants discuss in pairs or small groups, then share one key takeaway with the larger group. This fosters peer-to-peer learning.

4. Next Steps and Action Plan (10 minutes)

• Action Planning:

1. • Ask participants to review the “Next Steps” section of the worksheet, where they will write down two ways to research companies or workplaces that align with their priorities.
     • For example: “Look for internships at companies with a focus on work-life balance and self-care.”
   • Use job sites and company reviews to explore their corporate culture before applying for roles.

• • Suggestions to guide them:
    • Researching companies on job sites.
    • Reaching out to contacts in their network for informational interviews.
    • Exploring company websites for insights into their culture (e.g., mission statements, employee reviews, etc.).
    •  
• Facilitator Tip: Provide suggestions or share your own tips on researching corporate culture. For example, encourage them to check platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee reviews or visit a company’s social media pages for a glimpse of their culture.

5. Bonus Activity: Scenario Role-Playing (10 minutes)

• Role-Playing Exercise:
  • Divide participants into small groups and assign them the “Scenario Bonus Activity.” Have them practice answering the following interview question:
    • “What kind of corporate culture are you looking for?”
  • Allow them a few minutes to prepare their answers. Then, invite each group to share their answers with the larger group.
• Debrief:
  • After each group shares, ask the group what they noticed about the answers. Did anyone mention unexpected values? Were the answers more focused on benefits or on work-life balance?

6. Wrap-Up & Final Reflection (5 minutes)

• Summarize the Key Takeaways:
  • Recap the activity’s goal: understanding what kind of workplace culture will make them feel fulfilled and motivated in their careers.
  • Remind participants to take the reflections they worked on today and use them to guide their job search or career transition. Encourage them to revisit the action items if they require further guidance.
• Closing Question:
  • Ask participants: “What’s one new insight you learned about your ideal work environment today?” This final question invites reflection and encourages participants to consider how they can apply the activity in real-life situations.

Additional Tips for Facilitators:

• Time Management: Monitor the clock to ensure discussions stay on track. If time is tight, limit discussion to a few responses per question.
• Encouragement: Encourage everyone to participate, but respect those who prefer to listen. Ensure a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust according to the group’s needs. Some groups may need more time to reflect individually, while others may be eager to dive into discussion.

This guide ensures that facilitators can confidently lead a group activity that helps participants explore corporate culture and align their values with potential workplaces.