Ways to Solidify the Foundation of Company Culture
Company culture is no longer just a buzzword you hear when talking about tech-savvy companies like Google or Amazon. Culture is an important part of every business, large or small. It unifies teams, brings in stronger candidates for new positions, and helps to retain current employees.
First, let’s discuss the company culture definition. Company culture is simply what makes the company unique. While there may be certain services or products that are hard to replicate, they are not truly inimitable. The only part of your business that will ever be truly unique is the business’ personality.
For some businesses, increasing wages may not be an option to draw in and retain employees, but it is not just about money. These people want to see better benefits and more culture within the business that they choose to work for. They do not want to just show up and work 9-5 and be another number. They want value. They want relationships. They want work/life balance. Some
65% of workers are currently looking for a new job. Culture can make a difference.
Strong company culture is achieved from the expectations and values set at the top. As the leader of a business, it is your responsibility to provide the foundation of company culture. How can you do this? This can be accomplished by:
1. Being Transparent
With the ongoing effects of The Great Resignation, it is imperative that you communicate with your employees and show your support. Trust between management and team members leads to loyalty and increased motivation. Employee engagement levels will match how they feel about the organization. A committed employee will be more productive and motivated than an employee who feels unheard and unvalued.
2. Understanding your Employees’ Wants and Needs
Employees need to see that your business values their time - both in and out of the office. This does not mean that you need to allow your employees to never work. What it does mean is that you should respect your employees’ time outside business hours. It should go without saying, if you treat your employees well and are understanding that life happens, the outcome will be positive.
3. Allowing Time for Relationship Building
Many businesses do not take the time for team building. While it may seem like a waste of time, allowing employees to interact with one another creates a bond that makes it harder to leave the organization. You want your employees to have an effective commitment to your brand. That is, staying because they want to… especially in a remote or hybrid working environment.
Why is a positive company culture important?
Retention & Engagement: Employees who feel cared for stay longer and work harder.
Customer Perception: Your team reflects your business; customers can sense a positive or negative atmosphere.
Talent Acquisition: A strong, visible culture acts as a magnet for high-quality candidates.
Culture is the ultimate unification tool of your business. When your management team, employees, and customers are all aligned with the same vision, it drives success and value.
Key Takeaways
- Culture is Identity: Beyond products, culture is the only truly unique and inimitable part of a business.
- Transparency Drives Loyalty: Open communication from leadership builds trust and increases employee productivity.
- Respect Boundaries: Valuing employees' time outside of work hours is critical for long-term retention.
- Invest in Relationships: Team building creates emotional commitment, which is especially vital in remote or hybrid environments.
- Unified Vision: Aligning staff and customers with a single vision drives overall business success and brand value.
Frequently Asked Question
What is company culture and why does it matter?
Company culture is the shared values, behaviors, and expectations that shape how employees work and interact. A strong culture improves engagement, productivity, hiring outcomes, and employee retention.
How does leadership impact company culture?
Leadership sets the tone for transparency, communication, accountability, and work-life balance. Employees typically mirror the behaviors and priorities demonstrated by management.
What are simple ways to improve employee engagement without increasing salaries?
Businesses can improve engagement through clearer communication, recognition programs, flexible scheduling, professional development opportunities, and intentional team-building initiatives.
How can a company measure whether its culture is strong?
Organizations can track retention rates, employee engagement surveys, and feedback from exit interviews to evaluate cultural health.
How often should companies reassess their culture strategy?
Culture should be reviewed continuously, with formal evaluations at least once per year to ensure leadership actions, policies, and employee expectations remain aligned.
How does transparency improve employee retention?
Transparent communication builds trust. When employees understand the company's goals, challenges, and decisions, they feel more valued and are more likely to remain committed to the organization.
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