Q&A with Linda Ohairwe, Head of People & Culture at New York Sun Works

Meet Linda Ohairwe: As Head of People & Culture at New York Sun Works, this bilingual HR leader transforms workplaces through innovative people strategies. With 10+ years spanning nonprofits and corporations, she’s designed everything from culture programs that stick to onboarding experiences that excite.

1. How do you approach the creation and implementation of policies and strategies that align with the unique needs of both nonprofit and for-profit sectors within people operations?

When crafting policies and strategies for people operations, I always begin by deeply understanding the nuanced needs of both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. This involves actively listening to stakeholders from both sides, empathizing with their perspectives, and recognizing the unique challenges each sector faces. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we can co-create solutions that serve the greater good while also addressing the specific objectives and constraints of each sector. It's about finding that delicate balance where our policies and strategies not only support organizational goals but also honor the values and missions that drive both nonprofit and for-profit entities.

2: In your experience, what key elements make for an effective organization design and staff resourcing model that promotes both growth and employee satisfaction?

In my experience, the key to designing effective organizations lies in prioritizing both growth and team satisfaction. This means creating structures and models that not only facilitate scalability and efficiency but also nurture a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and personal development. By involving teams in the design process, valuing their input, and ensuring transparent communication channels, we can tailor our organizational frameworks to align with their needs and aspirations. Ultimately, it's about fostering an environment where my teams feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best work towards the organization's success.

3: Can you share insights into how you've developed learning and development initiatives that have led to substantial transformations within organizations?

Transformative learning and development initiatives require a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional training programs. It's about creating a culture of continuous learning, where teams are empowered to explore new skills, ideas, and perspectives that not only benefit them personally but also contribute to the organization's growth and evolution. By leveraging a mix of personalized learning paths, mentorship programs, experiential opportunities, and feedback mechanisms, we can cultivate a learning ecosystem that fosters innovation, resilience, and adaptability at all levels of the organization.

4: What innovative strategies have you found most effective in elevating employee experiences and engagement in line with business objectives?

Elevating employee experiences and engagement requires a multifaceted approach that integrates innovative strategies with a deep understanding of organizational goals and employee needs. From implementing flexible work arrangements and wellness programs to fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition, every initiative should be purposefully designed to enhance the overall employee experience while also driving tangible business outcomes. By prioritizing empathy, inclusivity, and authenticity in our approach, we can create workplaces where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.

5: As someone deeply committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, what are some of the challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them to build robust culture, wellness, and resilience programs?

Building diverse and inclusive workplaces is a journey filled with challenges, but it's also one of the most rewarding endeavors we can undertake. From addressing unconscious biases and systemic barriers to fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety, the key lies in creating a culture where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is woven into the fabric of everyday operations. By actively listening, championing equitable policies and practices, and fostering cross-cultural understanding, we can overcome challenges and build robust culture, wellness, and resilience programs that empower every individual to thrive.