The Game Changers

The game changers

What exactly is one to understand by “work culture”?

Apart from the vague descriptions one reads online about how teams interact, workplace culture is a concept that entails much more than just how employees interact and operate.

From an organization's perspective, workplace culture is about how its employees communicate and carry out various processes required to achieve collective goals.

At the same time it is also an entity in itself that continues to survive and evolves through changes in leadership, strategy, and a variety of other factors.

Right work culture is that pinch of salt which adds taste to the food on your plate.

And which would be the 3 game changers?

Presenting to you today views of the younger generation I interacted with recently at a mentoring event.

1. Google

For being a pioneer in ushering in certain revolutionary workplace practices (How they fair today is a matter of serious discussion – which we will not get into at the moment. Comments about it, however, are welcomed!

?I could understand why Google made it to the list. Remember the excitement the young generation had when it came to working with Google while the older generation was very skeptical and had their eyebrows raised.? It seems Google still has its charm!

Google, as a company, seems to still be regarded as an excellent employer. This popularity is probably because they were amongst the first ones to introduce a corporate culture that had a treasure stock of perks and bonuses for its employee benefits? - a concept that startups are now well-known for.

Free meals, employee vacations, parties, cash bonuses, open speeches by high-level executives, employee recognition, gyms, and a pet-friendly environment -? all in a high performing corporate set-up was so surreal at that point in time.

It's no surprise that Google's corporate culture served as the gold standard against which all other IT firms were measured.

2. Netflix

The “people over process" philosophy of the company seems to be their selling point. No wonder it is viewed as a haven for individuality, independent thinking and open discussions - all of which defines the younger generation! What also seems to have worked for Netflix as an organization is the simple yet effective communication model. Looks like Google has a tough competition coming along!?

3. Zoom

Zoom became a household name during the pandemic. Its Employee Value Proposition (EVP) got them the “Best Places to Work in 2021” award. This video conferencing technology company has encapsulated its culture in a single word – “care”.

What the youth seems to have liked is the concern and actions the company takes to make its people feel cared for – even during the WFH times.

These are the top picks based on the conversations with the youth.?

The way I see it, this generation is of course, looking for big brands, fat paychecks, flexi timings, perks and bonuses – that go with the materialistic, individualistic and hedonistic attitude they have been labeled with. But beyond this, they all are gravitating towards organizations that have acceptance of basic human needs and human values? and a clear plan of action at core of their policies.

The worldview is changing!?