6 Proven Ways to Promote a Positive Company Culture
19th June 2019
Did you know that a positive working culture can account for 20-30% of the differential in corporate performance when compared to culture unremarkable competitors?
This is according to research made by the Harvard Business Review. A strong company culture is one of the best ways to attract potential employees. People want to work for companies with a good reputation from previous and current employees.
Cultivating a healthy and happy workplace is nested at the centre of achieving success. Creating and maintaining a positive company culture is not easy and requires a serious combination of devotion, effort and energy to get right. By using a combination of strategies and resources and effective time management skills, you will have a top level support system in place for your employees before you know it.
We have put together a list of six proven ways to promote a positive company culture in your workforce, how to maintain a high level of support at all times and strategies you can adopt to measure your success.
1. Establish Positive Company Values
Outlining and articulating the company’s purpose and values can help set guidelines on behaviours and mindsets needed to achieve the company vision, when it comes to hiring new employees and altering current employees perspectives of the business. Ensure that you clearly articulate your set of values regularly in meetings, at events and as part of the office working environment, by encouraging your employees to be responsive, hardworking and to uphold professional standards at all times.
Your set of values should be prominently communicated to show how your employees vow to serve clients and treat colleagues. Harness your values and beliefs and incorporate them into your future business plans. When it comes to hiring new employees, create your own employee handbook that expresses the values you live by.
2. Focus on Culture-Building
To be an exceptional workforce, you must focus on the intangible elements of culture-building. Consider key factors that impact workplace culture, including financial performance, regular communications, employee recognition and access to management/leadership. Other factors such as growth opportunities within your company and strong professional relationships can further affect your overall employee performance and likelihood of progressing their career at your company.
3. Put Emphasis On Employee Wellness
When employees feel at their best – physically, mentally and emotionally – they will be more inclined to want to contribute to a positive working culture. Employee wellness is the foundation for a positive business culture and all business leaders must ensure that employees have the resources and tools they need to live their healthiest life. Consider hosting on-site healthcare facilities or hire a qualified First Aid responder for the office. In terms of emotional wellness, set up evening yoga or Pilates classes, or have a “chilled hour” of team building exercises or social time. If your employees feel ready and able to tackle the working day without stress or anxiety, then they will be more productive and happier in themselves. The happier your employees, the more productive workforce you will have.
4. Clearly Communicate Your Business Strategy
Over 83% of executives and 84% of employees state that having engaged and motivated employees is the top factor that contributes to a company’s success. There is an immediate correlation between those who say they are “happy at work” and “feel valued by their company” and those who say their organisation has clearly articulated their business strategy, beliefs and values.
How do you communicate your business strategy to your employees? If you are keen on promoting a positive working culture you will need to communicate your business goals regularly, over email, or in person to ensure your employees feel trusted and valued, to help driving the success of your business.
5. Foster Social Connections
Workplace relationships are an essential element for a positive company culture. When your employees feel at ease to interact with their colleagues and can collaborate easily with others, then you have successfully nurtured a strong working culture. All business leaders must provide their employees with opportunities for social interactions such as weekly team meals, happy hour excursions and a range of different social clubs to suit individual preferences, from football clubs, book clubs, and running events.
6. Always Be Prepared to Listen
Has any one of your employees ever approached you with a problem you have dealt with in a professional manner? A good leader is always prepared to listen to his or her employees and provide them with a space they feel comfortable with in confiding in you, whether by the office coffee machine or in a more private setting. Never betray the trust of your employee(s) as this could seriously affect the company reputation and cultural values. Being a good listener is one of the easiest ways to build a positive culture to make your employees feel valued and able to express themselves freely.
One of the most important roles as a business leader is to create a positive working culture that enhances the talent, diversity and overall happiness of your workforce. Building this type of culture is one of the most effective ways to drive success in your business. To find out more about how to improve employee morale and enforce a positive culture read here.
Interested in increasing your Positive Company Culture?
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