Leveraging the USDR Stretch-Clap to Embed Culture

Following the growth of both the Digital Services Coalition and the Digital WOSB Alliance, dual member For People shares their perspective on embedding culture as a remote team, success that is tied to its people, and how they succeed at embracing an ‘everyone’s perspective’ view. 

Success Intrinsically tied to People 

The most important aspect of culture within For People is the recognition that success is intrinsically tied to its people: our employees, partners, and clients. We firmly believe that by treating others with respect and fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment, we create a more fulfilling workplace and produce better results. 

We actively promote inclusivity, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and respected, regardless of their background, role, or position within the company. This is reflected in our hiring practices, where we prioritize diversity, and our ongoing commitment to provide equal opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Equally, we recognize that our employees are humans and sometimes work isn’t the most important thing. Family, friends, and loved ones should and sometimes do come first. That emphasis is included in each of our job postings and is emphasized to anybody joining our team. We take care of our bodies, mental health, and non-work needs first. 

The Everyone’s Perspective View 

For People’s unique emphasis is on “discovering everyone’s perspective” and the ways in which we apply this principle both externally and internally. 

Externally, we prioritize conducting user research that reflects the diversity of the populations we aim to serve. This means going the extra mile to engage with underrepresented groups, listening to their voices, and ensuring that our products and solutions are designed to meet their specific needs. 

Internally, we ensure that no one is isolated or feels unsupported. Regular manager 1:1 meetings are a principal of our company culture, providing a platform for employees to share their perspectives, challenges, and aspirations with their leaders. These meetings foster strong relationships and a sense of belonging, empowering our team members to excel. 

We hold regular monthly town hall meetings where everyone in the company can openly discuss For People’s direction and strategy. These sessions provide a forum for team members to contribute their perspectives, ideas, and concerns. This collaborative approach to decision-making empowers each employee to influence the company’s trajectory, fostering a deep sense of ownership in our collective success. 

And, lastly, we do these things —> Stretch Claps, adopted from the U.S. Digital Response (USDR) team. 

In an all-remote environment, you can’t celebrate positive news as easily as in person. So, we embraced a fun and unique way of celebrating achievements and positive news virtually. Sure, it might be a bit goofy, but if everyone’s doing it, we can all look goofy together! 

Focused on Maintaining Culture 

1) Culture-Oriented Hiring. Prospective employees are not only assessed for their skills and qualifications but also for having a good heart. We assess whether they are good person, demonstrate that they care about the world and people around them, and can contribute to a positive work culture. 

2) Ongoing Feedback: Regular feedback mechanisms are in place to gauge the pulse of our culture. This includes anonymous surveys, one-on-one discussions, and open town halls. Any leadership decision has to follow the will of the people. 

3) Transparency: Open and consistent communication is vital. Our team, partners, and clients need to have insight into our decision-making process. By continuing to be open about why we made a certain decision and sharing as much detail as possible, we can continue to foster this culture of happiness. 

Partnership Priorities 

We take pride in our badgeless environment, which signifies a fundamental aspect of our culture. It reflects our commitment to treating every individual with respect and equality, including our clients and partners. When clients and partners engage with us, they experience a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where their expertise is valued, regardless of titles or credentials. 

We involve our clients and partners in our research and decision-making processes. This collaborative engagement allows us to gather diverse perspectives, ensuring that our solutions align with the real-world needs of the communities we serve. 

Lastly, even as a subcontractor, we still take shared ownership and responsibility of project outcomes. The prime/sub relationship often creates a dynamic where subcontractors can excuse themselves from a poor outcome. This is not the case. If there is a problem, it’s a shared problem, and we’ll work with our prime contractor to solve it. This includes strategizing, brainstorming, and participating in client meetings when needed to determine the most optimal solution. 

Continuing in Its Commitment 

We will continue to prioritize respect, inclusivity, open communication, and collaboration as the anchors of our culture. We will deepen our commitment to sustainability and community engagement in line with our mission. This involves increasing our efforts to give back to the communities we serve. For example, since the company’s inception, we have made a monetary donation to Little Lights (https://littlelights.org/) and the Children’s Defense Fund (https://www.childrensdefense.org/) for every employee anniversary. We want to continue using For People as a vehicle to not only build meaningful data systems in government but also as a catalyst for local change and community improvement. 

Connect with Us 

For People is a women-owned small business (WOSB), a member of the Digital Services Coalition, and a Founding Member of the Digital WOSB Alliance. Additional background information about For People can be found at our website at forpeople.us and capabilities statement at forpeople.us/capabilities. 

We desire to be a part of the OrangeSlices and the broader GovCon community! If you made it this far reading our spotlight, reach out to us for an informal introduction! We’d love to figure out how to work together. You can contact Johanna Yi, Founder and CEO of For People at johanna@forpeople.us. 

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