Have you ever wondered why some workplaces feel more energised, connected, and productive than others? The answer often lies in the company culture. But what exactly is company culture, and how can you improve it in your own organisation?
Understanding company culture
At its core, company culture is the shared values, beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes that shape how things get done in your workplace. It's reflected in everything—from how your team communicates and collaborates to how decisions are made. Your company culture shows up in the daily interactions between employees, the way leadership is perceived, and even in how your office space feels.
Strong company cultures are those that promote positivity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging. When employees feel connected to your company’s mission and values, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal. However, a toxic or poorly defined culture can lead to high turnover, burnout, and disengagement.
Why is company culture important?
Company culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business-critical element. Our recent survey revealed that 65% of respondents have left their job due to a toxic workplace culture. This underscores the importance of cultivating a strong, positive culture within your organisation.
A positive culture can:
- Attract and retain top talent: People want to work where they feel valued and aligned with the organisation's values.
- Boost employee engagement and satisfaction: Employees are more motivated and likely to contribute when they feel a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Enhance teamwork and collaboration: A cohesive culture encourages better communication and trust among employees, leading to more effective teamwork.
- Drive better business results: Companies with strong cultures are more likely to see improved performance, higher customer satisfaction, and sustained growth.
Elements of company culture that employees care about the most
Employees thrive in environments that align with their needs, values, and aspirations. When it comes to company culture, certain elements consistently stand out as key factors that influence job satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
Here are the elements employees care about the most:
Inclusivity and diversity: A workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Learn how to recruit, retain and empower a diverse workforce.
When these elements are prioritised, employees feel more engaged, motivated, and connected to the organisation, which ultimately benefits both their personal growth and the company’s success.
How can company culture be improved?
Improving your company culture does not happen overnight, but with deliberate effort, it is achievable. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Define and communicate your values
Start by identifying the core values that define your organisation. These values should align with your company’s mission and vision and be consistently communicated across the board. Whether it’s through onboarding, internal communications, or day-to-day interactions, these values should be lived and breathed by everyone.
2. Prioritise employee wellbeing
Your employees are your greatest asset, so creating an environment that supports their mental, physical, and emotional health is crucial. Implement initiatives that promote work-life balance, offer flexibility, and encourage mental health awareness. Regular check-ins and feedback loops also allow employees to feel heard and supported.
3. Foster equity, diversity and inclusion
Building a culture where everyone feels included and valued starts with embracing diverse perspectives. Make inclusivity part of your hiring practices, leadership development, and daily operations. This not only makes your culture richer but also strengthens your business by bringing in a variety of ideas and viewpoints.
4. Lead by example
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining company culture. When leaders consistently model the behaviours, attitudes, and values that the company stands for, it sets a powerful precedent. Transparent communication, empathy, and a willingness to listen build trust and encourage the same behaviour across the team.
5. Recognise and reward positive behaviours
Recognition goes a long way in reinforcing the culture you want to build. Celebrate achievements, acknowledge efforts, and reward behaviours that align with your company’s values. Recognition can be as simple as a shoutout in a team meeting or as structured as an employee recognition program.
6. Regularly evaluate and adapt
Company culture isn’t static—it evolves as your business grows and changes. Regularly assess your culture through surveys, feedback sessions, and open conversations. Are your values still relevant? Are your employees engaged and satisfied? Use this feedback to continuously refine and adapt your culture to stay aligned with your goals.
The bottom line
Your company culture isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a fundamental aspect of your organisation’s success. By actively shaping and improving your company culture, you create a work environment where employees are engaged, your business thrives, and everyone feels connected to a greater purpose.
Take the time to evaluate where your culture stands today and make it even better. A positive company culture is an investment in the long-term success and wellbeing of both your employees and your organisation.
Not sure where to start with improving your company culture? Get expert guidance on enhancing your ED&I and ESG strategies and candidate experience with our Future of work talent advisory service.
