By Marcus Hoo
What Is Work Culture?
Work culture helps to guide employees on what behaviours, expectations, and matters of importance are part of the company’s current environment.
Work culture differs from a company’s core values, which largely remain the same over time.
Companies may update their core values due to massive growth in manpower, but its original company focus might still remain the same as it updates its values.
Creating a Positive Work Culture
To get started, you have to first lay out your core values. These should be the foundation of everything that happens at your company and guide your organization’s evolution.
Dedicate as much time as necessary to ensure everyone is aligned, this includes significant parties to weigh in like leadership, long-term employees and HR representatives, etc.
Afterwards, think about the type of work culture you want to create. Consider everything from the physical layout of the office to how frequently employees interact with their colleagues.
Here are ways to create a positive work environment that aligns with your values and prevent negativity from arising:
Practices for an Engaging Work Culture
Set Clear Departmental Goals
Outline the objectives of each team so employees have tangible results to work toward. Not only will this help guide individual performance, but it will encourage collaboration between team members. Make sure there is room for feedback to adjust quotas and workload when needed.
Promote Organization Goals
In addition to setting departmental goals, make sure every employee is clear on the organization’s long-term objectives. This will help individuals cultivate a sense of professional purpose. Having a source of motivation beyond quarterly quotas will demonstrate the value each role has toward achieving the company’s mission.
Promote Diversity and Inclusivity
You can promote diversity and inclusive work culture by welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and celebrating their differences. Encourage employees to express themselves with the rest of the team to promote inclusive language and consider establishing a committee to contribute to diversity initiatives.
Encourage Lunch Breaks
Although lunch breaks are not legally required, allowing employees get some rest for 30 minutes to an hour each day helps create a positive work culture. Expecting employees to continuously churn out quality work over the course of eight hours without breaks is unrealistic and unhealthy, as employees are not robots. Moreover, it suggests that employees are only valued for their work output, not as individuals.
Encourage Providing Learning Opportunities on Job Descriptions
Skill building is an important part of a positive work experience. It allows employees to pursue their passions and encourage information sharing between colleagues. This exchange of knowledge will lead to improved employee relationships and collaboration.
Avoid Forcing It
Positive work cultures do not just appear overnight. Keeping to your values and listening to your employees will allow it to grow naturally. Work cultures that keep people happy and businesses thriving will take time.
Summary
Creating a positive work culture where everyone feels valued, welcomed and respected is vital to an organization’s success. Be sure to take your employee’s feedback into account and lean on them to help cultivate a great work experience.