There’s a lot of talk about workplace culture in the HR spheres, especially in the wake of the Great Resignation.
As people around the world quit their jobs in search of more fulfilling endeavours, others began to demand more of their work environment. But what is workplace culture?
Workplace culture is a collection of values, expectations, and behaviours that inform the actions of members within an organisation.
According to a study by Deloitte, 94 percent of executives and 88 percent of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is important to business success.
A toxic workplace culture rewards or normalises negative behaviour, plagued by arguments, dissatisfaction, a pervasive fear of failure or lack of support.
In positive work cultures, employees tend to be more engaged and enthusiastic about what they do, deliver improved results and are more committed to the company’s visionary roadmap.
Here are 5 ways to help uplift workplace culture:
Establish and live your company value
It is important to set clear values to ensure employees and leaders unite under one common vision.
In fact, 62 percent of respondents in Deloitte’s survey felt that clearly defined and communicated core values and beliefs contributed to success, since all members of the organisation could work towards one goal.
A purpose-driven culture needs to incorporate and bring to life a set of core values that not only aligns with the vision of the business, but also with the values of its people.
Having a common goal, purpose and a universal set of values, creates a sense of unity that in turn makes employees feel like they are working for something bigger than themselves.
An environment of inclusion
Inclusion is a necessary component of a diverse and healthy organisation.
To promote diversity, it isn’t enough to simply acknowledge differences – from upper management all the way down, company members must appreciate the unique attributes and individual contributions of each employee. Integrated into a wholesome culture, studies show it can improve overall employee performance and productivity, as well as enhance decision making dur to a more varied mix of opinions.
Talent mobility and a positive work culture that celebrates not only diversity, but also inclusivity, equality and a sense of belonging, there are the vital elements in organisations that will make people stay, so businesses need to ensure that these elements exist in the company.
Look for hidden gems within your teams, value them for what they worth, empower them to be the best of themselves, and offer opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Addressing mental health
It is important to understand the role workplace culture plays in employee happiness and productivity.
According to PWC, focus on well-being isn’t a soft skill, but a core business skill needed to sustain high performance in and outside of work.
By prioritising well-being, we improve our collective ability to thrive in a world that’s moving and changing faster than ever.
Businesses need to create an environment and provide the necessary tools so their people can live their healthiest life with the aim to enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
A good starting point for businesses is to choose and facilitate suitable self-assessment tools that are designed around resilience, mental toughness and subjective well-being with the intention to increase the self-awareness of its people.
Recognising and celebrating success
An important practice is showing employees that you value their contributions to the team by recognising top performers and those going the extra mile. Their values and work ethic reinforces the culture you want to create.
Making your employees not feel valued, failing to listen, and managing with arrogance are some of the common mistakes made in an organisation that can negatively affect employee happiness, growth, and loyalty.
This is because when upper management forgets that it is not about them, but it is about their people and that their job is to empower them, that is when a disconnection happens. And like a domino, the disconnect will affect the lower-level management, and so on.
Being transparent
People lose faith in their leaders and managers whenever the incentive schemes are not objective or linked to effort and performance and when there is not a clear and transparent path for career progression provided.
Businesses that focus on their leaders’ leadership skills, on employees’ personal development, and clarity regarding organisational goals are more successful in ensuring employee loyalty and engagement.
Even being open about challenges at different levels creates an opportunity for employees to participate in finding a solution and feeling part of the team.
Improving the culture at a workplace is an essential part of building a successful business. A clear priority, work culture improves communication, empower talent growth, increase in morale and improved performance.
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