Champions of the Echoing Way
In 2022, with the addition of an Employee Engagement Manager at Echoing Hills, conversations began at the corporate level about employees across all five regions who naturally embodied and promoted the “Echoing Way” (LINK: https://ehvi.org/the-echoing-way-2/). These team members were already serving as encouragers, connectors, and trusted peers within their workplaces.
From those conversations, the Champions Committee was officially established in 2023 — a natural progression of something that was already happening organically throughout the organization. Today, this valuable employee resource group is entering its third year and has grown to 28 dedicated members strong.
The current Champions were selected by local leadership and serve one-year terms. At the end of each term, membership is reviewed and refreshed to allow other interested and eligible staff members the opportunity to participate.
So, what makes someone eligible to become a Champion?
To create an environment where employees can speak openly and honestly, staff members with supervisory responsibilities are excluded from membership. This allows Champions to freely share ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of repercussion. Beyond that, two important qualities define a Champion: they are a trusted source of support and information for their peers, and their character reflects the values of the Echoing Way.
Since its creation, the Champions Committee has helped strengthen communication, engagement, and connection across the organization. Echoing Hills has experienced many of the proven benefits associated with strong employee resource groups, including increased morale, stronger teamwork, and deeper investment in the organization’s mission. By giving employees a voice and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, the committee fosters a greater sense of ownership and purpose among staff.
The Champions Committee also serves as a bridge between regions, providing a platform for authentic conversations, practical recommendations, and innovative ideas that improve both workplace culture and the quality of services provided. Through this exchange of information, silos are broken down and employees across the organization become more connected in their shared mission.
As noted by Indeed’s employee advocacy (LINK: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/employee-advocacy) resources, “This exchange of information breaks down silos and promotes a unified work environment. Enhanced internal communication leads to better teamwork, innovative problem-solving, and a collective sense of achievement.”
