Leadership & Workplace Culture

A thriving workplace culture isn’t accidental—it’s the result of intentional leadership, thoughtful engagement, and truly inclusive practices. When leaders align the organization’s values, prioritize the employee experience, and use data-driven insights, they set the stage for loyalty, innovation, and lasting success.

Employee Engagement: The Heartbeat of Culture Engagement goes beyond mere participation; it creates a shared purpose and sense of belonging. As Alicia Roman of Columbia Climate School put it, “It’s about showing up with energy, connecting across silos, and fostering genuine collaboration.” This perspective is supported by recent data showing that 87% of engaged employees rate their workplace culture as good or excellent, compared to only 34% among those feeling burned out. In industries like service and hospitality, where every interaction counts, this connection transforms routine tasks into exceptional customer experiences.

Strategic Inclusivity: Building Trust in Every Corner A robust workplace culture is built on inclusivity and trust, not just engagement. Leaders who model the behaviors they expect from their teams set a powerful example. As Roman notes, “Respectful, authentic leadership creates a ripple effect that influences collaboration and problem-solving.” When employees feel safe to share ideas and take risks, innovation naturally follows. Tony Sandonato of Travel + Leisure Co. adds, “When employees feel seen and heard, they bring their best selves to work.” In fact, research shows that in positive work cultures, 83% of employees are motivated to deliver high-quality work—an impressive contrast to the 45% in less supportive environments.

Leadership’s Role: Inspiring Growth and Innovation Leaders are the architects of culture. At Travel + Leisure Co., key leadership qualities like transparency, empowerment, and a customer-first mindset help align team efforts with broader organizational values. This alignment is especially vital during times of change, such as mergers or acquisitions, where a strong culture can mean the difference between success and setback. Studies suggest that employees in positive cultures are nearly four times more likely to remain with their organization, underscoring the importance of proactive leadership in nurturing stability.

Sustaining Culture: Measuring, Communicating, and Evolving A dynamic culture requires regular attention. Tools like cultural audits, engagement surveys, and customer feedback provide insights that help organizations stay connected with their teams’ needs. “We use annual engagement surveys and quarterly pulse checks to stay ahead of the curve,” explained Sandonato. These measures enable timely adjustments that keep the organization in tune with its evolving environment.

Communication is just as essential. Storytelling, internal messaging, and recognition programs reinforce the values that unite the team. As Sandonato puts it, “When you feel heard and seen, it’s not just about the immediate exchange—it’s about feeling valued and connected to the organization.”

Practical Steps for Leaders Based on insights from industry experts and recent SHRM research, here are some actionable strategies to cultivate a thriving culture:

• Leverage Data: Regularly collect employee feedback through surveys to pinpoint areas for growth.
• Develop Leadership Pipelines: Invest in training that prepares leaders for future challenges and change.
• Foster Collaboration: Encourage cross-functional teamwork to break down silos and create a shared sense of purpose.
• Embed Inclusion and Equity: Cultivate an environment where every employee feels respected and empowered.
• Communicate Purpose: Clearly articulate the organization’s vision to inspire and align individual efforts with collective goals.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Workplace Culture Workplace culture shapes how employees experience their organization—it influences behaviors, decisions, and overall performance. As Roman wisely observes, “Leadership shapes culture every day through the small, deliberate choices we make.” For HR and organizational leaders alike, nurturing a living, breathing culture means continuously aligning values with actions, investing in leadership, and using insights to guide evolution. When cared for, a strong culture delivers rewards far beyond our expectations.

By embracing these strategies, leaders not only enhance workplace culture—they create a community where every member feels empowered, connected, and ready to drive success together.