The term “workplace culture” or “company culture” will be recognized and familiar to people in the workforce, old or new, you certainly must have come across these terms.Â
However, as much as the “workplace culture” term is easily thrown around, only very few companies understand it and even fewer have one.
What Is Workplace Culture?
It’s important to define what we mean when we talk about work culture.
However, it is not easy to point out.
Is it a collection of values?
Action?
Setting?
Or customs and traditions?
Well, it turned out to be all this and more.
Forbes describes work culture as “the environment around us all the time.”
Jobs’ website, Indeed, says it is “the collection of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that make up the normal atmosphere of a work environment.
“Perhaps the simplest explanation comes from renowned US management guru Marvin Bauer, who describes it as “the way it’s done here.”
However you define it, workplace culture can be difficult to measure.
It’s not a set of written rules; it’s how you feel at work.
Every organization has its own personality and vibe, but building one is not easy.
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Start NowAs noted by management consultant and author Peter Drucker, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
And in the face of unprecedented change in the workplace, companies are starting to realize that they can have the best strategy and the best people in the world.
But if your culture isn’t right, you are at a huge loss.
Culture is the air you breathe. If it is toxic, your tissue will die.
Read: Mental Health and Work: Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress
Importance Of Workplace Culture
1. Communication
Good communication helps create mutual respect and trust, regardless of individual roles and responsibilities.
A work culture that doesn’t allow people to ask questions, share ideas, or connect with each other is less transparent and may not bring out the best in people.
To achieve engagement, communication requires an open, two-way conversation.
2. Transparency
Business transparency is key to building trust. If you can create a more open work environment, your employees will be able to communicate in a constructive way.
Meetings and brainstorming sessions are becoming more valuable as organizations hear real opinions and fresh ideas from all parts of the business.
And it’s ultimately good for business.
3. Recruitment
Organizations with strong cultures and brand identities are more likely to attract the right talent.
Having a website that clearly defines your core values and goals will make it easier for applicants to assess whether they are a good fit for your company.
It’s also an opportunity to convince top talent that you’re a good fit.
4. Retention and Engagement
A positive culture is one that values employees and their contributions to the company’s success.
Employees who feel part of a community rather than cogs in a job are likelier to stay with the company.
Organizations with a healthy culture are 16 times more likely to retain Gen Z employees.
Not only does this lead to long-term retention, but it also reduces the cost of constantly hiring new talent.
5. Cooperation
The most successful organizational cultures bring together people from diverse backgrounds and foster team spirit.
People with very different mindsets and personalities can unite if they have a common goal.
Top-performing teams are increasingly claiming that diversity of all kinds is essential to their success.
As McKinsey’s latest diversity and inclusion considerations suggest, more diverse companies than ever before are more likely than ever to outperform their monocultural peers in terms of profitability.
A thriving culture of collaboration can break down boundaries between teams.
On the other hand, a toxic environment can make employees selfish and foster a culture of blame.
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Get Started6. Quality of service
A healthy culture motivates people to do their best work.
It’s easy to get the most out of someone you feel comfortable working with and who is empowered to make decisions.
This builds a high-performance culture that strengthens the entire organization and helps ensure products and services are of the highest standards.
7. Reputation
You’ve probably seen posts on job boards and social media sites that make life difficult for companies.
Many of these are from former employees.
People judge organizations based on their interactions, and a negative image can be damaging.
Have a strong social conscience, follow ethical work practices, and support employee welfare.
Companies that do tend to attract more companies and top talent.
A CBI survey found that 69% of UK citizens believe treating employees well is the most effective way to improve a company’s reputation.
Doing these things right can have a very positive impact on your business, but a toxic culture can do the exact opposite.
Fear and an environment where managers feel they are not being supported can bring a company to its knees.
Read: How to Create a Budget for Your New Business
How Does Workplace Culture Affect Employees?
Workplace culture can positively or negatively impact sales, profits, recruitment efforts, and employee morale.
A good workplace culture attracts people who want to work for or do business with it.
You can encourage your employees to be more productive and positive while reducing turnover.
It can also act as your best recruiter, attracting qualified candidates who want to work for the company.
It is easy to understand how important company culture is.
There are brands known to do this well. If you’re wondering how you can do the same, understanding how company culture affects employees is a good place to start.
Workplace culture and employee performance
A company’s culture must be strong, widely communicated, and reinforced to achieve a maximum competitive advantage.
Everyone should share their values and beliefs.
In an organization with a strong culture, employees feel valued. Instead of feeling helpless, they at least enjoy having control over their work.
Whether working from home, choosing a project, or trying out a new role, employees who feel valued and can make decisions achieve higher performance levels.
A strong company culture also provides employees with further growth opportunities.
Providing promotions, career development programs, or additional training can keep employees engaged and improve their performance.
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Impact of corporate culture on employee satisfaction
A positive company culture ensures that employees are satisfied with their work and remain loyal to the organization.
This is very beneficial in a competitive employment environment.
Employees are far more interested in starting (and staying) in a company culture that encourages flexibility, supports employee development, and provides work-life balance.
Improving employee satisfaction through a strong and supportive organizational culture can reduce recruiting, hiring, and training costs while increasing morale and increasing profits.
Read: The Art of Inclusive Language: How to Create a More Diverse and Equitable Workplace
Impact of workplace culture on employee engagement
Since then, we’ve shown that a strong company culture has a huge impact on an organization and employee performance and satisfaction.
Let’s explore the different ways workplace culture influences employee engagement.
- Communication: In companies with good communication practices, employees know their opinions and ideas are welcome. If employees feel heard, they won’t harbor resentments that can lead to absenteeism, demoralization, and dismissal. Communicative company culture also leads to more participation, creativity, and innovation.
- Safety: An organization that cares about its employees cares about safety. A culture of safety takes root, and employees are more attentive and committed to their duties.
- Cooperation: Rather than an “us versus them” approach, collaborative business fosters autonomy, decision-making, and teamwork. Employees are given the opportunity to contribute, are placed in roles where they can succeed, and have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with managers and other employees.
- Growth: A culture that encourages employee development and growth gives employees something to look forward to. Such a culture prevents boredom and works stagnation while keeping things exciting and interesting.
Once employees are hired, trained, and acclimated to the workplace, they can either feel supported and energized or undervalued and frustrated.
Employees are more engaged and engaged when they feel valued.
Read: Top 10 Ways to Boost Employee Productivity in the Workplace
Workplace Culture Matters More Than Ever
Today’s competitive business environment makes everything from sales to recruitment more difficult.
One way to make things easier is to work for a company that people enjoy working for and doing business with.
Smart organizations know having a great company culture increases the positive productivity of employees.
Serving your people well means they will serve your customers or clients well, and to stay relevant, you better be sure that is what is happening.Â
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