Revving Up Workplace Success: Is Culture the Key?

Once upon a time, in a far-off land called Japan, the people placed a great importance on their rich culture and traditions. Little did they know that this focus would lead their country to great heights and prosperity. The values and beliefs that were woven into their daily lives became the foundation for their success and growth. As the years went by, Japan's economy flourished and the country became a global economic powerhouse.

Imagine now if culture could have such a profound impact on a whole country—what could it do for an organization?

Organizational culture is more than just a buzzword. It's the backbone of the company and plays a crucial role in everything from attracting top talent to shaping company values and determining success.

?? So, why is organizational culture so important?

?? Firstly, it sets the tone for your workplace and shapes the behavior of your employees. A positive and inclusive culture leads to higher job satisfaction, improved collaboration, and better teamwork. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that employees in organizations with a strong culture were more likely to stay with their company and were more productive.

?? Secondly, a strong culture helps you attract top talent. Job seekers want more than just a paycheck - they want to work for a company that aligns with their values and provides a sense of belonging. In fact, according to Glassdoor, almost 60% of job seekers consider a company's culture before applying for a job.

?? Lastly, a positive culture helps retain employees. Turnover can be costly, with the cost of replacing an employee estimated to be anywhere from 30% to 150% of their annual salary. So why not create a culture that makes your employees want to stay for the long haul?

?? In Bangladesh, there has been a shift towards a more positive and inclusive organizational culture in recent years, with companies recognizing the benefits of a strong culture. However, there is still much room for improvement, particularly in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. A recent survey found that only 31% of companies in Bangladesh have a formal diversity and inclusion policy.

?? So, how can you improve your company culture?

?? Start by defining your company values and mission. Make sure every aspect of your company reflects those values, from hiring and promotions to the way you treat employees.

?? Don't forget to have fun! A little bit of laughter and a lighthearted attitude can go a long way in building a positive and memorable culture.

?? Here are some examples of activities and tools that can help shape and maintain a strong organizational culture:

?? Activities:

Team building events and activities like off-site retreats, group volunteer work, or team lunches. Employee recognition programs to reward and acknowledge top performers. Town hall meetings or company-wide communication channels to encourage open and transparent communication. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a culture of inclusivity. ?? Tools:

Employee surveys to gather feedback and gauge job satisfaction. Internal social media platforms to promote company culture and foster community. A comprehensive onboarding program to ensure new hires understand and align with company values. Regular check-ins with employees to gather feedback and make improvements.

?? An example:

One company in Bangladesh that has successfully built a strong organizational culture is Grameenphone. As the largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh, Grameenphone has made company culture a top priority. From regular team building activities to a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Grameenphone has created a positive and supportive work environment that has helped them attract and retain top talent.

How can HR professionals prepare for creating a great culture?

HR professionals play a critical role in creating and maintaining a strong organizational culture. Here are a few ways they can prepare:

• Stay up-to-date on the latest HR trends and best practices related to organizational culture.
• Be familiar with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how they can be incorporated into the company culture.
• Partner with other departments, such as Marketing and Operations, to ensure that the company's values and culture are consistent and reflected in all areas of the business.
• Create a comprehensive onboarding program to ensure new hires understand and align with the company's values and culture.
• Regularly gather feedback from employees and use that information to make improvements to the company culture.

?? By implementing these activities and tools, you'll be well on your way to building a strong, positive, and memorable organizational culture! ??