3 Ways to Boost Company Culture
In this post-pandemic, recessiony (that’s a word), age of hybrid work environments, it has been difficult for some organizations to; A.) Get their employees to come back to work full time, B.) Have them be happy about it, and C.) Achieve a high level of company culture.
Results and goals do not get accomplished in a vacuum and rarely by one individual. In this blog we will share three ways to boost an organization's culture to improve retention rates and have happier team members which is always at the epicenter of results.
“Company Culture”, what is it?
Yes, it is a buzzy phrase that everyone claims is important to them. Higher ups often think they have a great company culture, where the team members can have differing opinions. In fact, only 28% of executives understand their company’s culture (1).
Company culture generally refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that exist within an organization. It represents the collective personality and character of a company and influences how employees interact with each other, make decisions, and approach their work. It is a living, breathing thing that must be cultivated, fed and watered in order to thrive.
Boosting company culture is crucial for creating a positive and engaging work environment. Here are three effective ways to enhance company culture:
1. Foster a Sense of Belonging:
Encourage teamwork and collaboration among team members. Create opportunities for open communication, idea sharing, and problem-solving. For example, develop cross-functional projects or team-building activities that encourage employees to work together. This will build strong relationships and a sense of camaraderie which is one of the top factors in retaining employees. And the recent statistic is that it costs 33% of a worker's annual salary to replace them if they leave so retaining them is a key to success (2).
Additionally, recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements to foster a sense of belonging and pride within the organization.
2. Prioritize Employee Well-being:
Show genuine care and concern for your employee's well-being. Provide resources and support for maintaining work-life balance, mental health, and physical wellness. Consider implementing flexible work arrangements or wellness programs such as yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, or employee assistance programs. This can also be fostered by simply listening to your team members. Create opportunities for open discussions, such as town halls, an open-door policy in your office (with specific times that any employee can “pop” in and chat), or a frequent “walk around” the office.
By prioritizing the well-being of your employees, you create a culture that values their overall health and happiness.
3. Promote Continuous Learning and Development:
Encourage a growth mindset within your company culture. Provide opportunities for employees to learn new skills, attend conferences or workshops, or pursue professional development courses. Offer mentorship programs or internal training sessions to promote knowledge sharing and career advancement. Supporting employees' growth not only enhances their skills but also demonstrates that you value their development and long-term success.
Remember, building a strong company culture is an on-going effort. It requires consistent reinforcement and alignment with your organization’s values and goals. By fostering a sense of belonging, prioritizing employee well-being, and promoting continuous learning, you can significantly boost your company culture and create an environment where employees thrive.
Do you need help creating specific strategies to help boost the culture in your organization? Reach out to us, we can help.
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