Organisational culture - what's it all about?

What is Organisational Culture?

There are probably as many perspectives of what Organisational Culture is as there are actual cultures. Each organisation’s culture will be different and will be defined by the shared values, beliefs and behaviours established, communicated and displayed by the owners or leaders. But what exactly is an organisational culture?

My great friend Janell White summed it up perfectly, “a company’s culture is it’s personality”, I love this definition.

Over the years I’ve worked in businesses of varying sizes, most with great cultures, but the odd one with a toxic culture – which is NOT a pleasant experience. In fact, the latter was highly stressful and employees showed their dissatisfaction by walking. In the past, culture hasn’t been high on the agenda, most people were happy to have a job with reasonable salary and benefits. But things have changed.

What does a great culture look like?

People-focused cultures are what your discerning employee is looking for. Millenials and Gen Z particularly aspire to work in organisations with a purpose and opportunities, whilst being built on strong values and integrity. Apple and Google are known globally for their purpose and people cultures, here in the UK two of my personal favourites are Timpson and Tropic Skin Care, both have amazing cultures. Timpson and Tropic are people-focused and purpose-led and are run by inspiring Managing Directors.

James Timpson has taken the family cobblers business and transformed it by leading very strongly by example! Part of Timpson’s purpose is to employ ex-offenders to help them integrate back into society. James also regularly volunteers in prisons, working with the residents to help them transform their lives. James’ ethos is “nothing works without trust” – which is absolutely fundamental to driving a positive culture in every business.

Suzi Ma started Tropic by selling her body scrub at Greenwich Market, and with support from Sir Alan Sugar, has grown Tropic into a purpose-driven, people-focused organisation which goes from strength to strength. Tropic makes a wide range of handmade, vegan, environmentally friendly products. And it doesn’t stop there, money from every sale funds education for children living world’s poorest, most remote communities. A superb and highly laudable purpose. The Tropic business is built around helping the environment and helping people; their employees, their ambassadors, their customers and children!

Here in Dorset, we also have some superb people-focused businesses. The Street Agency is my personal favourite, having worked with Katie and the team I’ve seen for myself how building a team with shared values and purpose can take a business from average to superb. Katie started the business just three years ago. These days Street Agency feels like a family, there is a real sense of belonging - they have each other’s back and provide their customers with inspiring marketing solutions. The team are happy to go the extra mile when needed, because they know they are a valued member of the Street team and they, like their customers are at the heart of everything they do.

Put your people first

Organisations with great cultures put their people first, they recognise that employee experience is vital to employee engagement. So, what does that look like? Well, here are some examples:

• Great management and leadership
• Opportunities for development
• A flexible working environment
• Trust between managers and teams that facilitates autonomy
• Support and training that enables employees to do a great job
• The ability to recognise the benefits of recruiting and embracing a diverse workforce

All of the above combined add up to a thriving business. Believe me, it matters to customers – if a business has happy engaged people, this will shine through in every interaction with their customers, producing… happy customers.

"Create the kind of workplace and company culture that will attract great talent. If you hire brilliant people, they will make work feel more like play." - Richard Branson

?In summary…

Most people want to feel they belong and are valued for what they bring, add these together and you get great performance. This in turn translates into great customer experience and results!

Whether you are starting a business and aspire to grow, or if you’re already running an established business and want to improve the culture, this is my advice:

Start with the end in mind and focus on your people. Get your processes and procedures sorted and the rest will come naturally.

It doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, honesty and commitment, but it really is worth it.

If you need help on this or would like to work together to try and improve the culture within your organisation then please get in touch.