In an era of hybrid teams, shifting values, and high turnover, the modern workplace is at risk of becoming impersonal and transactional. But new research reveals that what people long for most isn’t just better pay or perks—it’s to be seen, supported, and developed. Using new research, this session explores how organizations can close the gap between performance and care by designing human-centered cultures that prioritize clarity, connection, and the whole person at work. The future of work depends on our ability to design environments that prioritize the whole person—not just the role they fill.
About The Research Project
In a moment when work is being questioned, reshaped, and reimagined, Barna set out to ask not just what’s happening in the workplace—but who we are becoming because of it. This research exists to illuminate the human, relational, and purpose-driven realities that often go unmeasured in traditional workplace studies. At its heart is a conviction: individual flourishing and organizational flourishing are not separate pursuits—they are deeply interconnected. The way people experience work shapes how they live, lead, and contribute—and the culture of organizations, in turn, is shaped by the humanity of the people within them. This study explores three forces at the center of that dynamic: Influence—the mutual shaping between people and workplace culture; Compassion—the emotional infrastructure that enables individuals and institutions to thrive together; and Change—the constant disruption that, when stewarded well, becomes a driver of growth and reinvention. This research calls leaders to build more human-centric workplaces—spaces where people don’t just get things done but are shaped for the better in the process.
Join Matt Randerson and Julia Oltmanns on 21st May at Dare to Overcome, the premier annual gathering for Fortune 500 company faith-oriented employee resource groups (ERGs), corporate chaplains, and other faith-and-belief workplace initiatives to share best practices and celebrate achievements.
We are thrilled that the 6th National Faith@Work ERG Conference — cohosted by RFBF and the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America — has a fantastic group of sponsors from corporations and civil society partners, including Platinum Sponsor Coca-Cola Consolidated. Register now!
Matt Randerson
Vice President, Barna Group
Matt Randerson serves as Vice President for Barna Group and works with parachurch organizations to identify their most important business opportunities using research. Matt sees research as a way to create confidence and clarity for organizations around their greatest opportunities in the Christian landscape. Prior to Barna, Matt worked for a Fortune 300 company designing compelling engagement offerings for church pastors around the country. Matt is native to Wisconsin and currently lives in Atlanta Georgia with his wife and son.
Julia Oltmanns
Sr. Manager Culture & Care, Coca-Cola Consolidated
Julia Oltmanns is a senior leader committed to helping organizations solve problems and leverage business resources for good. With a passion for living out her faith, she looks for meaningful ways to utilize her deep expertise in HR and employment law, legislative affairs and public policy, communications, employee engagement and culture, and ethics and compliance matters. She’s driven to use her extensive experience in legal and business environments to make a positive impact on individuals, organizations and communities.