It's more than a pizza party

Happy Sunday, I trust you had a great week. Company culture is the order of today. While for some, workplace culture means monthly pizza parties, for others it means matching company t-shirts and free alcohol. Woahhh! I didn't say that anyone is wrong; instead, I want to discuss my perspective on organizational culture and the reasons that, in my opinion, make it so important for any organization. This is one of my fav subjects, by the way.

Culture and commerce have become more and more intertwined. Before, an employment relationship was treated as a transaction of services, with labour becoming a commodity. An employee was viewed as a commodity that only generated profits for the business. Similar to how other Marxists would put it, a person was seen as a machine that produced value for the business. Take and give were the cornerstones of the relationship. However, company culture is now more than ever promoted all over the world. It serves as the bedrock of every business, especially those that aim to prosper.

Organizational culture, in my opinion, refers to the company's underlying beliefs, ethics, and efforts to foster an atmosphere in which workers THRIVE. It entails establishing an environment where people may flourish, such as flexible working hours, putting an emphasis on work-life balance, family obligations, and personal growth. People choose to work with organizations that share their beliefs. Yes, I love free food, but my nephew comes before a PIZZA SLICE (Sorry). What culture means to me is finding my tribe, finding my fit, and figuring out how I can contribute to the company's vision.

The free alcohol, pizza parties, and matching t-shirts, while fantastic, do not SUSTAIN a strong company culture. They are temporary employee engagement activities aimed at boosting employee satisfaction. They should be seen as the icing on the cake because, in essence, they are quick solutions. Companies should invest more in enhancing long-term employee satisfaction.

Till I write to you next,

Nobesuthu Mahlangu

Yours in Labour Relations Magnet.