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Taylor Swift has ruled this summer, boosting the global economy to the tune of $5 billion, and paying it forward to her employees and the communities where she performs.
Jessica Reeder, director of remote organizational effectiveness at Upwork, told HR Brew that there are ways HR leaders can replicate Swift’s leadership style, just on a slightly smaller scale.
A marvelous time. Eras Tour employees have been working hard since they hit the road on March 17. To celebrate their work, Swift handed out bonuses totaling $55 million to everyone on her team—including a handwritten letter and a $100,000 bonus for each of her truck drivers.
While most companies likely can’t afford to be so generous with their staff, Reeder said HR leaders should view the move as an example of “transformational leadership.” It’s important to “exhibit wholeheartedly that every member of your team is a leader in their own space and has these super valuable contributions to share.”
For HR leaders who want to thank employees, Reeder recommended setting up both “structural” and “surprise and delight” rewards.
“Structurally, it’s about setting up accelerators, setting up programs that really encourage career development,” she explained, referencing Upwork’s own leadership development program for emerging leaders of color. On the other hand, surprise rewards (like Swift’s bonuses) can be given periodically to recognize good work. She noted that surprise and delight rewards show employees, “You are a key player. We believe in you. We are grateful for everything you’ve given to the company.”
Just as Swift is a visible boss, leaders should be visible to their employees, according to Reeder. “They [leaders] need to be engaged, and not just with the people who report to them directly—and at the same time as you’re doing that visible engagement, you also are setting up the structural opportunity for people to grow and develop in their career.”
Make the whole place shimmer. Swift has also been giving back to the local communities she tours through, including Las Vegas, Seattle, and Silicon Valley. In Arizona, she donated enough money for the state’s network of food banks to buy 40,000 pounds of fresh food, CNN reported.
Reeder said the lesson here is for companies to get involved with their local communities, and use it as an opportunity to engage staff. Upwork, for instance, in June partnered with microfinance firm Kiva to allow employees to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. “It’s a nice way to get everyone involved…but at the same time, it is the company directly giving back.”
When in doubt, remember: Karma’s gonna track you down.
Correction: 08/17/23: This piece has been edited to correct the description of Upwork’s charitable initiative.