The formation of an organization's unique company culture is influenced by various factors. Primarily, organizational culture is built on relationships. The way we embrace and cultivate workplace culture primarily relies on the interactions we have at work, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.
Establishing a strong culture has become more challenging in the current work environment, which includes remote work, a dispersed workforce, and employees who work in frontline or deskless roles. In fact, a significant portion of employees (37%) express a general feeling of disconnection from their colleagues.
By prioritizing strategies that enhance relationships within the workplace, it is possible to enhance company culture and make positive changes.
Why is a strong company culture important?
Culture serves as a link between employees, fostering connections both within the organization and with its overarching mission, objectives, and principles. The impact of your company culture permeates every aspect of the employee journey, influencing important outcomes such as productivity, employee retention, and revenue generation. Therefore, when considering methods to enhance workplace culture, a great starting point is to cultivate positive relationships among employees, managers, and leaders.
Why is building a good company culture so challenging?
The decline in face-to-face interactions is negatively affecting workplace relationships, which is causing a deterioration in organizational culture and hindering collaboration, shared values, and business outcomes. According to a study on remote work culture, two-thirds of remote employees surveyed expressed low levels of engagement in their jobs. Additionally, approximately one-third of the participants stated that they had very limited opportunities to interact with their team members, even though 40% believed that such interactions would contribute to building stronger relationships. This poses a problem because relationships are fundamental to establishing a healthy work culture.
To address this issue, it is essential to find ways to replicate the in-person experience through virtual means and create new channels for communication, both related to work and personal matters.
7 ideas to build company culture
Here are seven company culture ideas that will lead to a more positive work environment and help boost employee engagement.
- Invest in face-to-face interaction : In today's technologically advanced world, it's tempting to rely on quick keystrokes to save time and increase productivity. However, certain discussions are better suited for face-to-face interactions, where the chances of miscommunication or misunderstanding are reduced. For individuals working remotely, it's beneficial to engage in video calls and have the cameras turned on. Witnessing coworkers' facial expressions and reactions in real-time provides valuable insights. Instead of immediately resorting to emails or instant messages, take a moment to assess whether they are the most suitable communication channels for a particular conversation. Is there a possibility that your intentions or tone might be misconstrued in a text-only format? By asking yourself these kinds of questions before disseminating important messages, you can prevent misunderstandings. Clear and timely communication not only enhances trust within an organization but also contributes to a positive company culture.
- Plan meetings and events often : Maintain a regular and balanced schedule of meetings and events within your organization to bring people together. This becomes particularly crucial when teams are spread out or working on hybrid schedules. It is essential to proactively allocate specific time for employees to engage with one another based on common interests. Various types of meetings can contribute to fostering a positive organizational culture, including team-building activities, networking opportunities, and idea-generation sessions. Since most teams now have remote workers, it's important to incorporate virtual options into your planning to ensure the involvement of all employees. By consistently creating opportunities for employees to connect, you demonstrate the significance of inclusivity and collaboration in your organizational culture.
- Exemplify the culture your employees crave : Create a consistent pattern of behavior that fosters a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment to enhance your company's culture. It is crucial for leaders at all levels of the organization to effectively communicate and exemplify the desired behaviors. If leaders fail to embody the desired culture, employees will feel frustrated due to the perceived inconsistency. While managers may acknowledge the significance of investing in culture, devising activities that enhance engagement, culture, and inclusivity can be challenging. Nonetheless, simple actions can have a significant impact, such as recognizing employees' efforts, sharing organizational goals, and displaying genuine interest in their hobbies and interests beyond the workplace.
- Recognize and celebrate wins frequently : Instruct managers about the significance and worth of micro-recognition, emphasizing the need for regular and consistent acknowledgment of the progress and accomplishments made by their teams. Develop systems and resources that enable employees at all levels to recognize and appreciate their colleagues, aiming to enhance the overall company culture within individual teams and throughout the entire organization.
- Ask for frequent feedback from employees : Remember to recognize and respond to feedback. Establishing a workplace that values employees' input is a means of enhancing their overall experience. When individuals are given chances to express their creativity in their roles, they become more dedicated. Collaborative efforts can be a potent tool in fostering engagement and enhancing the culture within the organization.
- Address diverse and growing needs : Acknowledge the growing diversity within the workplace and acknowledge the importance of adopting strategies that cater to the unique characteristics of individuals, ensuring that every employee has the chance to shape their own work experience. Seek input from employees regarding their preferred communication channels for important company messages, employing multiple channels if necessary to accommodate everyone's needs. Additionally, evaluate the current range of benefits provided by the company to enhance the company culture. As the workforce comprises multiple generations, it is crucial to offer diverse and personalized benefit options that cater to the varying needs and expectations of employees.
- Improve company culture with the right technology : Offer communication technology solutions specifically designed to enhance and facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and overall employee experience. These technologies are particularly advantageous for organizations that have deskless, field, or remote workers, aiming to bridge the communication gap and foster cohesive teamwork. Our focus is not merely on following the latest trends in technology adoption, but rather on providing solutions that add genuine value. We understand the importance of considering the change curves associated with implementing new technology, ensuring that it does not lead to frustration among employees. Our goal is to enhance company culture by addressing employees' pain points and simplifying their work processes. Ultimately, organizations that make thoughtful investments in nurturing workplace relationships, recognizing them as the core of a highly engaged workforce and flourishing culture, will witness tangible benefits. By prioritizing employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention, these organizations can create a thriving work environment that encourages growth and success.
