Creating a positive company culture is a fundamental part of business success. You’ve undoubtedly heard so much about this new-age business philosophy that simply recognizes one thing: happy employees work happily. The overarching effect? Nearly every aspect of an organization improves in productivity, efficiency, collaboration, employee retention and any other metric important to the modern business owner.
From recruiting new staff to improving employee satisfaction, it’s the backbone of a happy workforce. Without a positive corporate culture, many employees will struggle to find the real value in their work. It’s the “why” behind what they do – beyond collecting a paycheck. If you foster an environment that makes your valued employees question this “why,” you’re likely to experience a variety of negative consequences for your bottom line. And these negative consequences can extend well beyond that employee submitting her resignation.
Now, here at Acme Business, we often address the business technology needs any company or organization needs to thrive in the 21st century. But beyond that, we aim to help organizations succeed in other ways – even if that’s just by offering some friendly business-to-business advice.
How Does a Positive Company Culture Impact Your Day-To-Day (and Bottom Line)?
According to research by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct and positive company culture is important to a business’s success. Deloitte also found a strong correlation between employees who feel happy and valued at work and those who say their company has a strong culture.
There’s a reason why companies who are named as a Best Place to Work see so much success. These organizations tend to have strong, constructive workplace cultures that help employees feel and perform their best at work.
But why exactly is a positive company culture such an important part of business success? Take a look at some of these awesome benefits:
Less Stress
Foremost, a supportive work environment under a strong company culture can significantly decrease workplace stress for employees. Stress is quite literally a killer – not only to your organization’s effectiveness and productivity, but more importantly to the health and wellness of those who help it run. Companies with happy corporate cultures tend to have healthier and more productive employees, making it a crucial factor in overall success.
Job Satisfaction
Companies with supportive and uplifting cultures tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction among employees. Employers who prioritize their employees’ well-being and happiness are rewarded with a committed and content workforce. This is not surprising, as a positive work environment enhances an employee’s overall job experience.
Employee Morale
Supportive workplace environments also boost employee morale. Employees simply feel happier, more connected and more satisfied with their contribution to the day to day. They matter. By creating a positive company culture that promote employee happiness, organizations can nurture and develop a more motivated and engaged workforce.
Recruitment
Recruitment is so much easier when you have a positive company culture. Who doesn’t want to work in a place that they hear treats their workforce well? HR experts agree a healthy environment is a major factor in attracting top talent. It gives organizations a competitive edge, making it attractive to potential employees who seek a place to work that feels like a second home, rather than just another stop on their career journey. The reputation of a company, as perceived by both past and current employees, plays a significant role in this decision-making process.
Better Collaboration
Any workplace is doomed to sputter and stall if the team doesn’t work together. A supportive workplace environment encourages employees to work together as a cohesive unit. The culture of open communication, social interaction and teamwork fostered by a positive company culture almost always yields outstanding outcomes and goal achievements. By fostering collaboration, companies can leverage the collective strength and expertise of their employees to achieve greater success.
Daily Work Performance
Strong corporate cultures correlate naturally with increased productivity. Employees are more motivated and committed when their well-being and happiness are prioritized. Human nature requires nurturing and belonging. So you must do more than just sign their paychecks. By fostering a positive work environment, organizations can boost the daily performance of their employees and drive success.
Employee Loyalty
A great company culture not only aids in attracting talent, but also retains it. A supportive workplace fosters a sense of employee loyalty, making it more likely for employees to stick with their current employer – even when bad times inevitably arise – if they feel valued and fulfilled in their work. Doesn’t a more stable and dedicated workforce sound great? (Helpful hint: You’ll also save thousands of dollars by not having to retrain new employees coming in through your revolving door.)
Creating a Positive Company Culture Is Easier Than You Think
One of the best things about building a positive culture is that it can be done with any budget, at any size company and within any industry. As long as employers take the time to genuinely invest in the happiness and well-being of their workforce, a positive culture will grow and thrive organically.
Employers can use the following tips to help build a strong corporate culture at their workplace:
Build Off What You Have
Creating a positive company culture doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing values and beliefs. You, as a business leader, should focus on improving the current culture by seeking input from employees on what they like and dislike about their work environment. Based on this feedback, leaders can tailor their efforts to improve what you already have and carefully choose improvements that need to be implemented.
Empower ‘Culture Heroes’
Culture heroes are employees who embody the company’s values and objectives. They are enthusiastic about promoting the company’s goals and inspiring others to follow suit. They set the tone. They may provide clarity to the mission when others are confused, settle workplace disputes and otherwise set a good example for the positive company culture you must create. Recognize these employees and support their efforts. They’re worth so much to the mission.
Prioritize Employee Wellness
A company cannot expect to have a thriving corporate culture without taking care of the physical, mental and emotional health of its employees. By prioritizing employee wellness, organizations can ensure their employees are best equipped, day in and day out, to contribute to organizational goals.
Establish Goals
Establish clear goals and objectives. The team won’t know what to work toward if there isn’t a roadmap to the best possible outcome. A positive company culture is impossible without defined objectives. Business leaders should bring their team together to establish goals that everyone can strive toward. Having a common objective unifies employees under the same flag – your flag – and provides them with a purpose beyond just earning a salary.
Give Meaning to the Work
In today’s workplace, employees seek meaning and purpose in their work. Without it, job satisfaction decreases. To build a more positive company culture, companies should establish a mission statement and core values – and clearly communicate them to ones who’ll be on the front lines of making it work. Provide your team with specific examples of how their contributions positively impact the company, its clients and the greater good for everyone around them.
Encourage Positivity
A strong culture starts with promoting positivity in the workplace. Employers should set the tone by demonstrating gratitude, giving thanks for a job well done, smiling regularly and remaining hopeful during challenging times. Employees are more inclined to exhibit positive behavior when they observe their leaders doing so.
Foster Social Connections
No one works well in complete isolation. And your company mission disintegrates in silos. Nurture interpersonal relationships. Strong interpersonal relationships are critical to the development of a positive company culture. Without social interactions and connections among employees, it’s unlikely for a positive culture to flourish. Employers should create opportunities for their staff to bond, such as hosting team lunches or social events.
Is Your Workplace Environment Positive Enough to Get the Most From Your Team?
One of the most important roles a leader has is creating a positive culture. With determination to create a culture that enhances the talent, diversity and happiness of your workforce your business will only see additions to your success and daily work life. Building a unique, positive culture is one of the best – and simplest – ways to get your employees to invest their talent and future with your company.
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