How to create a workplace for millennials without removing all the vowels in your company’s name
I’m prefacing this post with a disclaimer that I have never held an actual job before. Of course I’ve held those summer jobs you don’t list on your resume and a plethora of various internships. As for a full-time, 401k, 40+ hours a week job, I have no experience. So in a way, the blind is leading the blind here. While I can’t offer the side of the employer, I can speak on behalf of the job-seeking millennial. You know, the audience that companies are outsourcing research teams just to discover a sliver of what our interests and ambitions are to recruit us? While job-hunting, one of the largest things I look for is company culture. I’d definitely be likely to accept a lower paying position with Friday afternoon kegs and a slide from the second floor, than a higher paying job in a gray cubicle where the vending machine is the highlight of the office. So how do you create great company culture without removing all the vowels of your company name? (See UNBXD, Tumblr, BRGR)
It’s simple to create this culture through a positive and powerful attitude throughout the workplace. Creating this will drive business and have employees support your company for what you stand for versus your products alone. A simple guide on how to create great company culture can be broken down into a few steps.
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Step Number One: Define the “Why?”
To begin, you need to define the purpose of your organization’s culture, or the “Why?” Your business serves who? The answer needs to be heartfelt and genuine yet also inspirational and aspirational. Think of brands and companies who portray this such as Google or Redbull, these companies are well liked because they think differently from an internal standpoint. You might have a twelve-person company that sells specialty mugs, so there’s no reason to copy these large corporations. Do what inspires you and what’s right for your company.
Step Number Two: Have consistent values.
Everyone in your company needs to understand the core values of your workplace, from the CEO down to the intern. Make these elements tangible and reflective of your business. These values don’t have to stay the same, but they need to reflect who your company is as it grows.
Step Number Three: Be the leader you want for your company.
Lead by example, the culture of a company is shaped by who is in charge of it. Be an advocate for your employees and reflect the values in every action you take. Make sure you and your employees are never settling for the work that’s produced and are always striving to produce great results. Have incredible passion for your company and products and make ethical decisions along the way. A transparent leader who leads by example is the ultimate mascot for your culture.
Step Number Four: Be nice.
If company culture is a cake, you can have all the ingredients mixed and in a pan, but the attitude you inspire is the oven. Without it, your culture won’t be much use. When hiring, make sure your potential employee has the experience and the characteristics to fulfill the values. Incentivize your current employees to produce the best results, even if that’s just a shout out at the weekly meeting. Treat every employee the way you would want to be treated by your boss.
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While following these steps won’t make an allotted nap time during the work-day or catered lunch each day magically appear, creating a company culture focused on values will make people want to work for your company for the right reasons. A great culture will drive better business, passionate employees and a thoroughly enjoyable workweek every week.
