10 Companies With Outstanding Cultures—and What You Can Learn From Them

Learn about Exceptional Company CulturesBy reading this article, you will learn: - Zoom Video, HubSpot, Bain & Company, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and others have exceptional company cultures. - The key elements of a great company culture include defining values, hiring for culture fit, open communication, empowerment, flexibility, employee development, recognition, and feedback. - Creating a great company culture is essential for business success.

In today's competitive business landscape, company management is increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of organizational culture in driving success. A company's culture is its personality, the collective heartbeat of its workforce, and the undercurrent that dictates how employees interact, collaborate, and ultimately perform. As we delve into this exploration of 10 companies with exceptional cultures, we're not just listing organizations; we're unraveling the fabric that makes these workplaces thrive. From empowerment to innovation, each company offers valuable lessons for businesses aiming to cultivate a dynamic and positive environment.

1. Zoom Video Communications

Zoom has become synonymous with remote communication, but beyond its technological prowess, it's the company's culture that stands out. With a mantra of "Delivering Happiness," Zoom's management emphasizes employee satisfaction as a core tenet. The company fosters a supportive atmosphere where teamwork and transparency are paramount, contributing to high levels of employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Insider Tip: Zoom's regular virtual all-hands meetings are a testament to their commitment to open communication, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot, a leader in inbound marketing and sales software, has carved a reputation for its culture of autonomy and growth. The company's "Culture Code" is public, outlining its dedication to creating a workplace where employees are encouraged to learn, develop, and challenge the status quo.

Insider Tip: HubSpot's emphasis on "HEART" (Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent) guides the way its team collaborates and grows together.

3. Bain & Company

Global consultancy Bain & Company has repeatedly been recognized for its distinctive culture, which prioritizes employee mentorship and a supportive work environment. The firm's focus on teamwork enables a collaborative culture where everyone, from interns to partners, feels valued and empowered.

Insider Tip: Bain's "True North" training programs are designed to align personal and company values, leading to a more cohesive work environment.

4. Facebook

Despite facing its share of challenges, Facebook (now Meta) has consistently been lauded for its culture that promotes innovation and a "move fast and break things" philosophy. The openness to risk-taking and failure is a cornerstone of its culture, allowing it to stay agile and innovative.

Insider Tip: Facebook's regular hackathons are a cultural staple, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and fresh ideas.

5. Google

Google's culture is arguably one of the most well-known, with its workplace perks and open workspaces being just the tip of the iceberg. Its culture is rooted in the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere, and it invests heavily in employee empowerment, inclusion, and well-being.

Insider Tip: Google's "20% time" policy, allowing employees to spend one day a week on side projects, underscores its commitment to innovation.

6. LinkedIn

LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, has built a culture centered on transformation and integrity. The company's "Culture of Compassion" fosters collaboration and encourages employees to act like owners, taking initiative and making decisions that align with the company's vision and mission.

Insider Tip: LinkedIn's "InDays" provide employees one day a month to focus on themselves, their work, or the community, reinforcing the company's focus on holistic well-being.

7. DocuSign

DocuSign, the leader in electronic signatures, emphasizes a culture of trust and innovation. The company empowers its workforce by providing tools and opportunities to learn and grow, while also maintaining a strong customer focus.

Insider Tip: DocuSign's "Impact" program encourages employees to give back to their communities, reflecting its culture of social responsibility.

8. In-N-Out Burger

A beloved fast-food chain, In-N-Out Burger, distinguishes itself with a culture that values its employees as much as its customers. Offering above-industry-average pay and benefits, the company ensures that its staff feels valued, fostering loyalty and a high level of service.

Insider Tip: In-N-Out's practice of promoting from within instills a culture of opportunity and recognition for hard work.

9. Procore Technologies

Procore, a construction management software company, has a culture that emphasizes employee well-being and a balanced approach to work. The company's investment in its people is evident through its comprehensive wellness programs and a supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.

Insider Tip: Procore's "Procore Cares" program exemplifies its commitment to employees' mental and physical health, with initiatives like wellness challenges and mental health days.

10. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

BCG, a global management consulting firm, is renowned for its investment in employee development and a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. The company's collaborative approach allows for a sharing of ideas across levels and geographies, driving innovation and growth.

Insider Tip: BCG's personalized career development plans demonstrate its dedication to professional growth and lifelong learning for its employees.

What Makes a Great Company Culture?

A great company culture is characterized by a clear set of values, a commitment to employee well-being, and an environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and innovation. It is not just about the perks or the office layout; it's about how a company supports and values its people, aligns them with its mission, and creates a space where they can do their best work.

How to Create a Great Company Culture

The Power of Defined Company Values

As a manager at a tech startup, I've seen firsthand the impact of defined company values on our culture. When our CEO established our core values of transparency, collaboration, and innovation, it not only shaped our hiring process but also influenced how we communicate and work together on a daily basis.

One particular instance that stands out is when our team was faced with a challenging project that required everyone to step out of their comfort zones. By anchoring our decisions and actions in our defined values, we were able to navigate the project with a shared sense of purpose and unity, ultimately achieving success.

This experience highlighted the power of having clear and meaningful values in shaping the company culture and guiding our collective efforts towards a common goal. It's not just about having values on paper; it's about integrating them into the fabric of the organization, allowing them to serve as a compass for decision-making and behavior at all levels.

1. Define your company values.

Values are the compass that guides behavior and decision-making within an organization. They should be more than just words on a wall; they should be lived by every employee, from the CEO to the newest hire.

2. Hire for culture fit.

Bringing in people who align with your company's values and culture is crucial. Skills can be taught, but a natural fit with the culture ensures a cohesive team.

3. Communicate openly and often.

Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of a great culture. Regularly sharing company updates, challenges, and successes makes employees feel valued and part of something larger.

4. Empower employees.

When employees feel empowered to take initiative and make decisions, they are more engaged and invested in the company's success.

5. Offer flexibility.

Work-life balance is key to employee satisfaction. Flexibility in work hours or location can lead to happier, more productive teams.

6. Invest in employee development.

A culture that encourages continuous learning and growth not only benefits the employees but also the company, as it leads to innovation and adaptability.

7. Recognize and reward employees.

Acknowledging hard work and achievements reinforces positive behavior and motivates employees to continue performing at their best.

8. Solicit and act on feedback.

Creating channels for feedback—and acting upon it—shows employees that their opinions matter and can lead to meaningful changes within the company.

The Bottom Line

The companies highlighted here have set benchmarks in cultivating cultures that not only attract top talent but also inspire loyalty and drive performance. By understanding and implementing the key elements that make their cultures stand out, other businesses can foster an environment where employees thrive and contribute to the company's success. Remember, a strong company culture is not built overnight; it requires dedication, continuous effort, and a genuine commitment to your team's well-being and growth.

Questions

Q: What is company management focused on?

A: Company management focuses on guiding and organizing the resources and activities of a business to achieve its goals.

Q: How can collaboration benefit company management?

A: Collaboration can benefit company management by fostering innovation, problem-solving, and improved decision-making through diverse perspectives.

Q: Who can benefit from empowerment in company management?

A: Employees at all levels can benefit from empowerment in company management as it fosters a sense of ownership and motivation.

Q: What are effective ways to empower employees in company management?

A: Effective ways to empower employees in company management include providing autonomy, offering training and development opportunities, and involving them in decision-making processes.

Q: How can resistance to collaboration be addressed in company management?

A: Resistance to collaboration in company management can be addressed through clear communication of its benefits, setting common goals, and creating a supportive environment.

Q: What role does communication play in effective company management?

A: Communication plays a crucial role in effective company management by ensuring clarity, alignment, and transparency throughout the organization, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.