A strong company culture is essential for any forward-thinking business. The term refers to the shared values, goals, attitudes, and behaviors held by an organization. It takes into account factors such as your team, work environment, atmosphere, and staff perks.
Having a positive culture has so many benefits. Studies show that companies that actively work on their company culture experience a 40% higher employee retention rate. Modern job applicants are looking to work for organizations that value their employees and treat them well. When you create a winning workplace culture, you will find it easier to retain your best talent and recruit the best employees. Your staff will be happier, more fulfilled, and also more productive, helping you to achieve your business goals.
But what can you do to enhance your company culture? Here are four tips to get you started.
Talk to your staff
So many employers make the mistake of trying to copy Google, Apple, and all the other tech conglomerates who started the modern workplace trend. A ping pong table and a beer fridge in the office might be novel, but is it really what your staff want? Perhaps your team doesn’t really care about these things and would prefer more meaningful rewards like healthcare, time off, and holiday. You don’t know until you take the time to speak with your staff. Learn more about them and what makes them tick. Ask them what additional features and benefits they would like you to bring to the workplace. There’s no point in spending money on unnecessary luxuries if no one is going to use them. By asking for advice, you’ll not only be able to identify guaranteed ways to enhance your company culture, but your consideration will also earn your employees’ trust and respect.
Create an aesthetically pleasing office
The way your office looks has a huge impact on the wellbeing of your team. If an employee has to commute to work each day to spend eight hours or more in a gray, dreary, cluttered office, their mental health is likely to suffer. They will feel unhappy and unfulfilled, and you should not be surprised if your most talented workers seek employment elsewhere. Your office environment should energize people, making them feel joyful, positive, and productive. There are so many ways you can achieve this effect, whether through bright, bold colors on the wall, captivating artwork, or greenery dotted around the office. You could have business TV playing in reception and breakout areas, such as the service provided by loop.tv, and even minor details like carpets, furniture, and crockery can all make a big impact.
Prioritize health
It can be difficult to keep your health in check when you work a full time job, but as an employer, you have the power to improve the quality of life for your entire workforce. By providing benefits that prioritize physical and mental health, you are bringing real value to your employers. You are actually helping them to live longer and be happier. This is far more important than the other trivial perks. Invest in ergonomic desk chairs that protect their neck and back from musculoskeletal problems, and encourage regular screen breaks. Consider providing help with healthcare and offering mental health days to alleviate stress and anxiety. Look at the refreshments you are providing for free. Tea and coffee come as standard in most workplaces, but what about those who want to limit their caffeine intake? Provide decaf alternatives and a range of herbal teas, as well as fresh fruit and other nutritious snacks.
Embrace flexible working
The concept of flexible working is a complex issue for most employers. There are clear benefits to allowing staff to work from home some of the time, in that it enables them to maintain a better work/life balance, and as a result, they are happier, healthier, and more productive. But it can also impact the company culture and team spirit. If all your employees are constantly working in isolation, there are few opportunities for collaboration and socializing.
So what’s the solution? The best option is to adopt a hybrid working structure, whereby your team can work remotely for part of the week. Some will jump at the chance to work from home, as it enables them to manage childcare, health appointments, and other important life commitments. Others will continue to commute into the office, preferring camaraderie and easier access to work resources. What’s important is that you are giving your staff the choice, trusting them to work in their own way and allowing them to manage their own work schedule.
