At Natural Landscaping, the Top Blokes Workplace program created space for the team to talk about big topics and those conversations continued back at work.
When Natural Landscaping first brought Top Blokes into the workplace, there was some uncertainty about how the men would respond.
“So we were a little bit unsure about how things were going to go. We were keen to get you guys in and to, you know, talk to our lads and spend some time with us, but we were unsure how the lads were going to take it,” said Project Manager, Trent Watt.
The team soon began engaging with the program’s content and activities. For Trent, one of the clearest signs of its impact came after the sessions.
“One of the biggest things that I think we’ve taken from it is that it’s started a conversation amongst our guys. So I’ve seen us leave here and then the boys talking about some of these big topics at work.” He added that the team is “communicating better. I’ve been really impressed.”
Making space for the real topics
The program covered subjects including masculinity, pornography and racism and the team valued the way those conversations were approached. They were also impressed by the positive messages and the way the sessions encouraged openness.
“To see you guys [Top Blokes] coming out and giving positive messages and covering really difficult topics, like the real topics and doing it in a way where you’re encouraging vulnerability, I’ve been really impressed,” added Trent.
Helping the team connect
The Top Blokes Leadership workshop gave one team leader a chance to reflect on how different leadership styles can affect the way people work together.
“I’m a leader to some of the boys so in leadership topic and compass activity, I found out I was a North and one of the boys was a West. It really helped me out with all of our different styles of leading. It really helped me connect with them.”
That reflection captures one of the program’s practical ideas: understanding how others approach leadership can help people connect and work together more effectively.
One participant shared, “I had my doubts at first but the more lessons we did, the more involved I got which helped me out a lot.”
Small changes can plant a seed
The team was surprised by how willing the men were to engage and open up. Manager Trent described the changes as gradual, with the hope that participants would keep reflecting on the topics beyond the program.
“I was a little bit surprised actually. We were kind of wondering whether you guys would be able to connect and be able to encourage that.”
“There’s subtle little changes in each of the guys that I just think hopefully now we can continue and they can just think a little bit differently about different topics. Planted some seeds, so to speak.”
For Natural Landscaping, those seeds were already visible in the conversations happening between colleagues.
“We’ve planted like quite a lot of seeds and we can see the development like in, in the group It’s been fantastic.”
Keeping the conversation going
The Natural Landscaping team described a program that helped its employees engage with challenging topics, connect with one another and continue talking after each session.
“It was a great experience, I would highly recommend this program. It helped me out a lot,” shared one participant.
Top Blokes works with workplaces to help young men build communication, leadership, resilience and relationship skills through practical, engaging sessions.
Could your workplace benefit from stronger team conversations and practical support for young men?
