How to Establish a Strong Company Culture
When we hear the phrase “company culture,” many of us think about whimsical chairs, beer fridges, pool tables, paintball retreats, and other non-traditional workplace accouterments. Startups have ruined company culture for the rest of us.
I jest. But the truth is that company culture is more than the workplace fixins’…it’s also something deeply embedded in how the workplace works. Culture now ranks as the third most important characteristic that job-seekers prioritize in their search. That makes sense: in an era of workaholism and poor work–life balance, a good company culture seems like a strong buffer against burnout. And frankly, micromanaging and bureaucracy are out of style.
A weak company culture is almost as bad as a toxic company culture. These days, your best candidates are looking for strong cultures, and your lack thereof might be a key factor in their decision. Here’s how you can strengthen your company culture.
Assess Your Current Team’s Satisfaction
You probably review your team’s performance, but how often do they review yours? Ask your team members how they would rank your workplace in terms of efficiency, productivity, and support for their work. Do they feel like they have the resources they need? Are they frustrated with how projects get done? By identifying issues, you can move forward with strengthening your company culture.
Decide What Type of Culture You Want
The famous “startup culture” may not suit your business. That’s fine. Attempting to force it on your workplace may backfire. The key is to be authentic. How can you translate your company values into a great workplace experience?
Take some time to reflect on how your values align with your company’s attributes and priorities. A “green” company” that doesn’t offer recycling in the break room will come off as insincere to your employees. If you uncover such a discrepancy, start taking steps to bring your values and culture into alignment.
Let Your Company’s Story Motivate People
That’s all superficial, though: The secret to a strong company culture is the strong affirmation of a company’s story. If…