What is workplace culture? Importance, Benefits & Tips

Workplace culture is undergoing a seismic shift due to the pandemic, with 57% of companies anticipating significant changes. This presents an opportunity for organizations to reassess priorities and foster environments where employees thrive, whether they're remote, hybrid, or on the frontline.

Defining workplace culture isn't straightforward—it encompasses values, behaviors, and attitudes. It's the very essence of "the way we do things around here," as described by management guru Marvin Bower. Yet, despite its intangibility, culture profoundly impacts employee wellbeing, performance, communication, transparency, recruitment, retention, teamwork, service quality, reputation, and morale.

To understand and improve workplace culture, organizations can:

1. Observe culture in action: Assess interactions, respect levels, and leadership behaviors.
2. Send out workplace culture surveys: Gather employee feedback on respect, diversity, teamwork, and satisfaction.
3. Gauge emotions with communication tools: Use polls to assess mood and engagement in real-time.

Building a positive work culture involves focusing on:

1. Organizational values: Clearly communicate and embody values that reflect the organization's beliefs and actions.
2. Identity: Maintain a positive identity that demonstrates professionalism and social responsibility.
3. Leadership: Encourage openness, teamwork, and empowerment among leaders and managers.
4. People: Celebrate diversity and create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued.
5. Workplace norms and policies: Align norms and policies with desired culture, emphasizing transparency and respect.
6. Communication: Foster open communication channels to keep employees informed and engaged.
7. Working environment: Create a conducive environment for productivity and wellbeing.
8. Subcultures: Encourage collaboration and synergy among teams to prevent divisive subcultures.

To improve workplace culture, leaders can:

1. Be actively involved in onboarding: Set a positive tone from the beginning with collaborative and supportive practices.
2. Have transparent progression policies: Outline clear paths for career advancement and provide regular feedback.
3. Recognize and reward positive behaviors: Use platforms for employee recognition to reinforce desired habits.
4. Promote company values: Keep values at the forefront through regular communication and events.
5. Prioritize cultural diversity and inclusion: Create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

Culture is dynamic and requires continuous effort and adaptation. By prioritizing positive workplace culture, organizations can foster a thriving environment even in uncertain times.

Here are some ideas to improve workplace culture:

1. Virtual Team Building Activities: Organize regular virtual team-building activities like online games, virtual happy hours, or team challenges to foster camaraderie and connection among remote team members.
2. Flexible Work Policies: Implement flexible work policies that accommodate employees' individual needs, such as flexible hours, compressed workweeks, or remote work options. This demonstrates trust in employees and promotes work-life balance.
3. Wellness Programs: Offer wellness programs that support employees' physical and mental health, such as virtual yoga classes, meditation sessions, or mental health webinars. Providing resources for self-care shows commitment to employee wellbeing.
4. Diversity and Inclusion Training: Conduct training sessions on diversity and inclusion to raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster a more inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and respected.
5. Transparent Communication Channels: Establish transparent communication channels, such as regular town hall meetings, open-door policies, or anonymous suggestion boxes, to encourage open dialogue, feedback, and transparency across the organization.
6. Recognition and Rewards: Implement a formal recognition program to acknowledge and reward employees for their contributions, achievements, and positive behaviors. Recognizing employees publicly reinforces desired behaviors and boosts morale.
7. Professional Development Opportunities: Provide opportunities for professional development, such as online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs, to support employees' growth and career advancement within the organization.
8. Social Impact Initiatives: Engage employees in social impact initiatives or volunteer opportunities that align with the organization's values and mission. Giving back to the community fosters a sense of purpose and collective responsibility among employees.
9. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental collaboration and teamwork by facilitating joint projects, cross-functional teams, or knowledge-sharing sessions. Breaking down silos fosters a collaborative culture and enhances innovation.
10. Leadership Development: Invest in leadership development programs to empower managers with the skills and tools to lead by example, inspire their teams, and foster a positive work environment conducive to growth and success.

Implementing these ideas can contribute to creating a more positive and supportive workplace culture, where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to perform their best.

Here are some examples of companies renowned for their exceptional work cultures as of 2023:

1. Google: Google has long been celebrated for its innovative and employee-centric culture. With perks like free gourmet meals, onsite wellness and fitness centers, and flexible work arrangements, Google prioritizes employee happiness and well-being. The company also fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and pursue passion projects.
2. Salesforce: Salesforce is recognized for its strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. The company not only champions initiatives to support underrepresented groups but also prioritizes giving back to the community through its 1-1-1 philanthropy model, where it donates 1% of its products, equity, and employee time to charitable causes.
3. Zappos: Zappos is renowned for its unique and vibrant company culture, centered around delivering exceptional customer service and fostering employee happiness. The company offers comprehensive training programs, encourages employee autonomy, and maintains a fun and quirky work environment, including activities like themed dress-up days and impromptu dance parties.
4. Netflix: Netflix is known for its culture of freedom and responsibility, where employees are trusted to make decisions and take ownership of their work. The company offers generous benefits, including unlimited vacation time and parental leave, and prioritizes a culture of transparency and open communication.
5. Patagonia: Patagonia is celebrated for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The company's culture emphasizes work-life balance, with perks like onsite childcare and flexible work arrangements. Patagonia also encourages employees to participate in environmental activism and supports initiatives to protect the planet.
6. Zoom Video Communications: As remote work became more prevalent, Zoom emerged as a leader in enabling virtual collaboration and connectivity. The company's culture prioritizes communication, inclusivity, and work-life balance, with initiatives like virtual team-building activities, flexible work schedules, and wellness programs for remote employees.

These companies exemplify the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, and aligning organizational values with employee engagement. While each company's culture is unique, they all share a commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed.