The key to a successful organization is to have a culture based on a strongly held and widely shared set of beliefs that are supported by strategy and structure. When an organization has a strong culture, three things happen: Employees know how top management wants them to respond to any situation, employees believe that the expected response is the proper one and employees know that they will be rewarded for demonstrating the organization’s values. Improving company culture is an ongoing priority for most organizations. Company culture can evolve every day. Below provides some insight on company culture that may slip your mind from time to time but is important to know.
- Everyday experiences matter. Developing programs that target key milestones in the employee lifecycle such as onboarding, leadership, retirement, etc. are important, but don’t forget to interact with them on a day-to-day basis. Small conversations, interactions, a simple “thank you” or “great job!” are all important things that contribute to a positive employee experience.
- Employee burnout can affect all types of organizations. Working in chronically bad company culture can lead to employee burnout no matter what type of position the person holds. In order to prevent employee burnout, building a strong company culture where people feel connected is important. Train leaders to instill a sense of purpose, success, and wellbeing in their team. Provide opportunities to grow, develop, and give recognition and appreciation. If you create a company culture where employees can thrive, you will be able to decrease, and hopefully, prevent employee burnout.
- Provide a more modern workforce. The modern workforce is highly diverse, mobile, digital, and flexible. More and more people are enjoying the flexibility with hours, a remote work environment, and the ability to work from anywhere. Great leaders do not micro-manage their people. They inspire and influence them to do a great job.
- Communication is key. Conflicting messages regarding company culture can create distrust and cynicism. Experts say that cultural inconsistencies may also cause employees to grow discouraged and be less inclined to give their best effort. It is important to ensure that the organization clearly and consistently communicates its culture to all employees.
Company culture is the key contributor to your organization’s effectiveness and competitiveness. Company culture can be challenging at times so it is important to assess your current state by asking questions like what’s working or what needs to change. Taking steps to improve or keep your culture consistent will improve the overall employee experience.