Why culture is important and tips on creating Company Culture

What is company culture?

Company culture otherwise known as corporate, culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that define the identity and character of an organisation. Every company has a culture whether by design or organically evolved.

It represents the collective personality of a company and influences how employees interact with each other, and their managers, how they approach their work, and perceive the company's mission and objectives.

Company culture is shaped by various factors, including leadership style, organisational structure, communication practices, employee engagement initiatives, and the physical work environment.

Why is company culture important?

A strong company culture fosters a sense of belonging, alignment with company goals, and employee satisfaction, contributing to organisational success and competitiveness.

I firmly believe that a thriving company culture is foundational to a successful organisation. Every business possesses a culture, whether consciously crafted or shaped inadvertently. The mission, values, leadership styles, behavioural expectations, daily operations, decision-making processes, physical workspace, and, crucially, the people all contribute to a distinctive environment. A positive culture can attract and retain top talent, enhance team performance, and ultimately drive business success.

That's why it's imperative to actively cultivate the culture you desire in your company rather than leaving it to chance.

5 Tips to help develop a positive company culture

Here are five essential steps for defining and cultivating a corporate culture:

1. Acknowledge the Importance of Company Culture:

Recognise that "corporate culture" is not merely a buzzword; it profoundly influences your business. Statistics underscore its significance:

• Strong corporate culture attracts talent, with over 75% of job seekers considering culture before applying, according to a 2019 Glassdoor survey.
• Positive culture improves retention rates, with 62% of employees citing toxic company culture as a reason for leaving, as reported by FlexJobs.
• A good company culture enhances productivity, with 76% of U.S. workers believing it boosts efficiency, according to a 2018 survey.

2. Define and Share the Company's Mission, Values, and Goals:

The bedrock of a robust culture lies in the company's mission, values, and goals. Employees seek purpose in their work, so it's vital to articulate and communicate what your company aims to achieve. It is also vital that everyone in the company works constructively together, like a boat team everyone should pull together. Clear mission statements, core values, and well-defined goals foster a sense of purpose and direction among employees.

Don't be afraid of setting expectations,Netflixproduced a famous and famously direct company values deck, which laid out very clearly what the company expects from its employees; it was key in developing the company culture & values.

3. Foster Healthy Communication:

Effective communication is pivotal to a positive culture. Encourage open dialogue, constructive feedback, and respectful interactions among team members. Establish communication guidelines, train managers to lead by example, and create a culture where all voices are heard and valued.

Crackdown on toxicity, and make it clear that bullying in whatever form will not be tolerated. Like professional sports teams, managers need to build a culture where everyone in the company builds each other up, not puts each other down.

4. Prioritising Employee Health and wellbeing:

Invest in initiatives that promote employee well-being, such as flexible working hours, mental health support, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programmes.

As humans, we feel less stressed when we feel we have more autonomy, so a culture where managers trust employees and employees can work effectively with minimal supervision is likely going to be a more effective culture.

Addressing employee needs enhances morale, productivity, and overall satisfaction with the workplace, use reviews to make employees feel valued and that they have a stake in the company.

And also make sure that employees take time off to relax and reset to avoid the stress of burnout and the negative impact that has on their work and relationships.

5. Train Managers

Culture should be shaped by design and getting managers onboard with the how you want the culture to develop is important. Training managers to be empathetic leaders is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Empathetic leaders understand and acknowledge the feelings, perspectives, and experiences of their team members, leading to increased trust, collaboration, and morale within the team. Through training programmes focused on empathy, managers can learn to listen actively, show genuine concern for their employees' well-being, and tailor their leadership approach to meet individual needs. By cultivating empathy, managers can build stronger relationships with their team members, inspire greater loyalty and commitment, and ultimately drive team performance and success.

6. Continuously Monitor and Nurture the Culture:

Building a strong culture is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and nurturing. Provide training for managers, align recruitment practices with company values, conduct regular surveys to gather employee feedback, and adapt practices to maintain alignment with evolving company values and goals.

In conclusion, fostering a positive company culture is a dynamic and ongoing endeavour that yields numerous benefits, including lower turnover rates, increased productivity, and enhanced team morale. As workplaces evolve, leaders must continually reassess and refine their approach to building and sustaining an exceptional corporate culture.