For 46 percent of job seekers, seeing healthy work culture examples set in their workplace is crucial to their work experience, according to TeamStage. They also state that 86 percent of job seekers avoid a company with a bad reputation. It’s easy to get caught up in sales numbers and client meetings and forget what company culture is, but there can be no excuses for a poor work environment for your employees. If you are wondering how to build a company culture that can withstand the test of time, we might have some ideas for you. Remember, however, that just like Rome, a reputation isn’t built in a day—commitment and consistency are key.
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What Is Company Culture?
Company culture refers to the principles an organization works around and the values and attitudes that make up the company and its members. It determines the organization’s identity in the public space as well as the internal environment that persists in the company. Organizations have their own ways of defining “What is company culture?” and while some state it explicitly in their handbooks and paraphernalia, other organizations indicate it by their policies and actions toward employees.
Work culture examples can range from the feedback processes to their attitude about diversity. Good company culture examples, however, are all the principles the company follows themselves and puts checks in place, in order to actually maintain the culture. It can be one thing to state that the company prioritizes a work-life balance, and a very different matter entirely if the company doesn’t take any steps to address it. Harvard Business Review found that teams with a shared purpose and uniting values showed a 17 percent increase in performance, highlighting clearly why setting good work culture examples is important.
Good Work Culture Examples
Lead by example, as the wise always say. Setting good company culture examples is a task for the leaders of the organization to establish from the first day of operation. Getting it perfect on the first try is difficult but an efficient work culture keeps evolving according to the needs of the hour.
Signing off emails informally would have been unheard of 10 years ago, but many companies today have embraced a more relaxed attitude towards such details and encourage employees to get creative with it. This may not be the right fit for your organization but it is critical to settle on what is.
Companies That Set Good Company Culture Examples in Their Industries
To figure out what is a company culture that inspires you, you can refer to other businesses and how they treat their employees. Many top leaders are very open about their policies and are also highly rated by employees who work there. They most likely must be doing something right.
Known for its innovative and relaxed work environment, Google encourages creativity, and collaboration, and provides various perks for employees, such as flexible schedules and on-site facilities.
- Zappos
This online shoe and clothing retailer is renowned for its emphasis on delivering excellent customer service and creating a fun workplace. Zappos prioritizes employee happiness and offers unique benefits.
- Salesforce
The company is recognized for its commitment to equality, diversity, and philanthropy, Salesforce emphasizes its core values known as the “Ohana” culture, fostering a sense of family among employees.
- Microsoft
Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has embraced a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous learning. The company has shifted its focus towards a growth mindset.
- Patagonia
This outdoor clothing company is recognized for its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Patagonia fosters a culture of sustainability and activism.
- Netflix
Known for its culture of freedom and responsibility, Netflix emphasizes trust in its employees and offers a unique approach to leadership and decision-making.
- Zoom Video Communication
Especially notable for its role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom is recognized for its supportive work culture and the CEO’s commitment to employee well-being. The company’s “Zoom happiness measure” and other initiatives have allowed its work culture to shine.
How to Build Company Culture?
If you’re convinced about the importance of a work culture, then let’s take a look at how to build a company culture that you can be proud of. The first step? Introspection.
What Does Company Culture Mean to You?
A company is determined by its leaders intentionally or unintentionally and by answering questions like “What is company culture according to us?” you can help structure the organization. If the company culture focuses single-mindedly on numbers and results and has no time for socialization or team-building initiatives, that is the work culture example that is set. The company cannot then be upset with employees who treat their work like a 9-5 obligation and sign out the moment it is done. Again, good company culture examples are set by the company.
Prioritize Inclusion and Diversity
A healthy work culture welcomes employees for their skills and not any other qualifier. Inclusive work environments attract top talent and help existing workers carve a permanent space for themselves within the workforce. According to Insight Global’s consolidated data, companies that showcase diversity become 70 percent more likely to reach new markets. The benefits are innumerable.
- Implement diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Celebrate cultural events and holidays
- Establish mentorship programs for underrepresented groups
- Review hiring practices
- Establish communities and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Reprimand violations and set checks in place
- Conduct regular diversity audits to assess progress
- Ensure that the physical workspace is accessible to employees with different abilities
Facilitate Employee Involvement
Employees are the ones most affected by a company culture so it is sensible to let them have a role in shaping it. It is also useful to encourage their involvement in all aspects of work, in order to establish work culture examples that cannot be refuted.
- Involve employees in decision-making processes
- Create task forces or committees to address specific challenges or opportunities
- Host regular forums where employees can openly discuss concerns, share ideas, and engage in dialogue with leadership
- Ensure that these forums are inclusive and provide a safe space for expression
- Create spaces for idea incubation, where employees can develop and refine innovative concepts
- Implement task rotations that allow employees to experience different roles within the organization
- Encourage employees to lead initiatives and projects aligned with their passions and interests
Work Culture Examples Are Tied To Recognition and Rewards
People who are appreciated feel better about themselves and the work they do. This is no different for employees and good examples of work culture acknowledge that. A Gallup report found that employees who are valued and recognized by their employer are 73 percent less likely to feel frequently burned out.
- Implement a recognition program to acknowledge achievements
- Tie rewards to behaviors that align with the company’s values
- Recognize contributions from various departments, roles, and backgrounds
- Showcase employee achievements on the company’s social media channels
- Recognize high-potential employees by offering mentorship opportunities with senior leaders
- Consider offering travel experiences or vacation packages as a top-tier recognition reward
- Allocate budgets for employees to pursue additional learning and development opportunities
Invest in Team Building Activities
A cohesive team can withstand any challenge with a solution-oriented attitude and is a good company culture example to invest in. Take the time to see what you can do to bring your employees closer to each other and to the goals of the organization.
- Organize regular team-building events to strengthen relationships
- Encourage collaboration through shared activities and experiences
- Organize friendly sports competitions or tournaments
- Invest in specialized team-building workshops led by experts
- Engage teams in an escape room challenge, promoting collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication
- Arrange a day focused on mindfulness and wellness activities
If you still need answers on how to build company culture, then conduct a review of your organization to assess what it does well and what it is missing. Thriving work culture examples are all around us and all we need to do to start on the journey is ask ourselves, what does company culture mean to my company?