Are You Building a Culture That Truly Supports Your Team?

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to build a company and a culture that genuinely supports employees—not just in their careers but in their lives. A recent conversation with two of my team members reminded me how critical it is to listen to what people are navigating outside the office.

Both employees had recently moved back in with their families—not because it was easy, but because it was necessary. Their goals? Pay off student loans and transition from having roommates to living independently. These choices were deliberate steps toward financial stability and achieving milestones many of us might take for granted.

This conversation stuck with me. It was a reminder that young professionals today face unique challenges that often go unnoticed. Some are navigating family dynamics, while others are grappling with the weight of financial burdens. As leaders, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own responsibilities—kids, mortgages, scaling a business—but we can’t lose sight of what our employees are facing. One set of challenges isn’t more important than the other. Both deserve acknowledgment and understanding.

So, what does it mean to build a culture of support? It starts with staying close to your team. Take the time to listen. Ask thoughtful questions. Understand that work-life balance looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about managing caregiving responsibilities. For others, it’s about achieving financial freedom or creating the foundation for independent living.

Supporting employees isn’t just about offering perks or benefits—it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive. It’s about paying a livable wage, so they aren’t forced to choose between paying off debt and building their futures. It’s about fostering a workplace where they can pursue life goals, whether that’s becoming debt-free or finally living without roommates, while feeling secure in their jobs.

If you’re not investing in the holistic success of your employees, you’re missing an opportunity. A thriving company is built on the strength of a supported team. Let’s commit to being the kind of leaders who listen, who pay attention, and who act. Because when your team feels heard, valued, and supported, they can bring their full potential to the work—and that’s where great businesses are built.

As we move into the new year, let’s ask ourselves: Are we truly building companies and cultures that help our employees achieve their goals? If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, it’s time to rethink how we lead.