Katka Letzing, CEO and Co-Founder of Kickstart Innovation and Anikó Ivanics, Lead, Kickstart Innovation Academy
The world of work is undergoing fundamental change. Digitalization, demographic shifts, and the increasing need for diversity present companies with complex challenges. Startups play a key role in addressing these shifts by offering innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies.
Workplace stress is increasing - according to 2024 FSO data, the percentage of employees feeling stressed has risen from 18% to 23% over the past decade (2012–2022). Meanwhile, Gallup reports that only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. This decline affects workplace motivation, productivity, and overall well-being.
One of the startups tackling this challenge is Silatha, which focuses on fostering psychological safety - the ability to express oneself without fear of judgment, ridicule, or consequences. Companies are increasingly recognizing how psychological safety is linked to employee engagement, collaboration, and productivity. To support this, Silatha has developed an interactive app designed for employees, teams, and managers. The app integrates gamification elements—such as progress indicators, badges, and monthly challenges—to encourage continuous learning and self-reflection in workplace interactions.
For example, one scenario presents a manager receiving a last-minute vacation request and offers three response options, helping users reflect on their approach to workplace flexibility. Another case focuses on a new father requesting parental leave as his partner returns to work, guiding users through different ways to handle the situation in an inclusive manner. Beyond individual decision-making, monthly challenges explore workplace biases and overlooked topics, including neurodiversity, menopause, mental health, and traditional role models. These challenges use short instructional videos and interactive questions to encourage reflection and discussion.
As many as 80,000 participants, including Google, and Nike have already worked with the app; 48% feel better over time. Swisscom is exploring collaboration with Silatha to start a DEI Audit to define Swisscom's position vs. the industry's best practices and create a roadmap for the future. With organizations like these, it is exploring activities enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion audits that support managers in establishing modern and inclusive working models. Instead of rigid guidelines, the audit enables flexible adaptation to specific company needs. For example, managers can use the tool to obtain regular feedback from employees and introduce targeted measures based on this, such as adapting working time models or developing workshops on inclusive leadership.
MoodTalk: Feedback as the key to transformation
Teamwork is at the heart of every company's success, and Moodtalk is a startup that fosters teamwork across entire organizations with a data-driven solution. Its smart teamwork assistant enables leaders to detect teamwork challenges early and implement the right solutions within minutes rather than months—all in a structured and personalized way.
Unlike traditional feedback tools, Moodtalk focuses on continuous checks and analyzes existing data, such as results from employee surveys, to generate a digital twin of the organization. The teamwork assistant helps organizations identify roadblocks early, build resilience, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
A great example of its impact is Moodtalk’s collaboration with leading European enterprises. By implementing Moodtalk's smart teamwork assistant, companies have uncovered hidden team dynamics eight times faster and improved overall teamwork and well-being. This has led up to a 5% increase in productivity, 25% higher employee satisfaction, and the development of an open communication culture.
Start-ups as a source of inspiration
Research by Gartner, Gallup, and Harvard Business Review has examined the significant impact of psychological safety on various aspects of organizational success. Companies that prioritize psychological safety see a remarkable reduction in turnover, which translates to significant financial gain by retaining valuable talent. In addition, these psychologically safe workplaces see a significant increase in employee engagement, a 50% increase in productivity, and a remarkable 74% reduction in stress levels.
Startups drive innovation by introducing pragmatic, easily integrated solutions. Their outsider perspective allows them to challenge entrenched thinking and offer transformative insights. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, they help organizations create engaging work environments that attract, develop, and retain top talent.
The article has been published on Handelszeitung.com: https://www.handelszeitung.ch/specials/bildung-karriere-2024/skills-der-zukunft-797343
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