A positive company culture is based on a strongly held and widely shared set of beliefs, supported by your business strategy and structure. When an organization has a healthy culture, its employees know exactly what is expected of them – and vice versa – and they truly believe in and support those expectations.
Culture impacts everything, from recruitment and engagement to long-term career development and staff retention. According to recent research, 94 percent of executives and 88 percent of employees believe a distinct corporate culture is important to business success.
- The right culture gives an organization a competitive advantage. People want to work for companies with good reputations. And word spreads quickly. An attractive culture places your business as a place where the best talent wants to be – not just for a short-term stepping stone, but for a rewarding career.
A healthy culture emerges over time and is shaped by your leadership team as they drive home that shared vision, mission, and core values. Here are four ways to make this happen, starting now:
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Listen to your employees.
Research also shows that 86 percent of employees at companies with strong cultures feel their senior leadership actively listens to them, versus only 70 percent of employees at companies that lack a strong culture. Make sure people know that their voices are being heard.
- Tip: Consider offering communication training that focuses on listening skills, and consensus-building, and handling confrontation or disagreement at an early stage.
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Promote self-care.
Especially during this turbulent time, it’s critical to encourage employees to care for themselves and others – and make it known that this is your primary objective. People need to be at their best – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to perform at their best. Ensure that every team member has the resources, tools, and healthcare opportunities they need.
- Tip: Develop, strengthen and/or communicate how to use your employee assistance program.
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Reward and recognize.
Highlight employees’ achievements and extraordinary efforts with public recognition for their hard work.
- Tip: If a customer compliments an employee via a letter or online comment, have your CEO, or business owner sent them a personal thank-you note for personifying what your company is all about.
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Support shared community initiatives.
A positive culture is about shared business goals and a shared vision for supporting your community. Even though it can’t be done via crowded events or gatherings, there are countless options available.
- Tip: Form a company team to participate in an online run, walk, or similar fundraiser for a community organization located right in the neighborhood or near and dear to employees’ hearts.
Do you need a plan to optimize your company culture to attract and keep top talent? PrideStaff Modesto can help. Our client relationships are built on a foundation of mutual trust, collaboration, communication, and results – a philosophy that will blend seamlessly with your principles and your team. Contact us today to learn more.
