How to Create a WOW Organisation Culture

From our past experience, we all know that when we are joyful at work we tend to put in our best efforts in the task at hand.

As an entrepreneur running my own digital marketing agency for over seventeen years in Pune, I too have had a similar experience with my people. Today I decided to pinpoint the things that helped me create an environment that inspires people and to put in their best efforts at work. What motivates people to work are not always fat paychecks or fancy perks. People are more content when they get holistic benefits from the work they do and that which has a long-term impact on their lives.

There are a few simple policies workplaces can adopt which ensure its people are healthy, happy and productive.

1.    Being flexible

A rigid and traditional 9-5 workday sometimes stresses people out and many experience high levels of conflict between work and family life. Modern technology has thankfully enabled that we be flexible with the work timings. We can also offer employees option to work remotely so as to utilize their talents optimally.

2.    Be communicative

It is important to stay connected with your people and communicate information about work and the company more frequently. This creates a sense of belonging and an atmosphere of openness & transparency. An ‘open door’ policy allows for easy flow of communication, closer working relationships, accessibility and faster access to information. Most importantly in communication is hearing what isn’t said; i.e. to use your empathy and be a good listener.

3.    Recognise success

A small verbal recognition given when it’s due and often, goes a long way in building an employee’s confidence in the work they do. Tangible rewards like certificates, cash, gift certificates, food and company merchandise help boost morale. With the rising millennial workforce, meaningful recognition has more value. For them, it is also important to provide engaging work environment, status-based recognition, and fun which can be more beneficial than tangible rewards.

4.    Offer growth opportunities

With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is imperative that companies groom their employees and reskill them for their own development. Promoting staff to senior roles from within the company can reduce turnover and boost productivity. A fast track can also be created for promising candidates by introducing graduate and higher learning schemes. An effective mentorship program can also be established in the organization. All these measures will contribute towards building an effective workforce.

5.    Nurturing and building trust

Interpersonal trust ranks very high among work relationships. When people interact and talk about their professional and personal lives the foundation for building trust are laid. Such frequent communication means fellow members are less likely to wonder why someone has not responded and the work gets done seamlessly without second-guessing and doubting.

6.    Exchange feedback

Most often people do not like receiving negative feedback. Nevertheless, it is very crucial to address it for the growth of the individual and company. It is necessary to create an environment of learning through mistakes and to receive negative feedback positively. This aids in addressing issues as they arise. Likewise, it is important to focus on the future by avoiding too much criticism of the past issues.

7.    Give people a sense of purpose

Companies that have very clear vision and mission for themselves and work towards achieving it tend to have a history of strong financial performance. Similarly, for people when they are made aware of how they fit into the company structure and how they are contributing to the success of the business gives them a definite sense of purpose. This goes to show them that their work is directly contributing to the overall success of the company and that motivates them to perform their best.

You will not fail to notice the positive impact of adopting all or even a few of these policies at your workplace too. Like they say ‘You don’t build a business, you build people and then people build the business.’

To know more about how we at IKF make a vibrant work culture visit www.ikf.co.in