Technically, an organization is an inanimate thing composed of materials such as cement, bricks, and stone, lacking feelings or emotions. However, the true essence of an organization lies in its people, who serve as the soul that brings it to life. Every founder has specific goals for their organization, and to achieve those goals, dedicated individuals who commit to embracing the organization’s culture are essential. Having the right individuals in place is crucial for propelling your organization forward; in fact, it encompasses nearly everything you require. However, without cultivating the appropriate culture, your organization will cease to thrive. The synergy between a conducive culture and the right individuals has the power to propel your organization to heights beyond imagination.
Take, for instance, Google. When it comes to positive work culture, Google’s name always pops up. Google prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being, ensuring a highly engaged and productive workforce. The company goes to great lengths to support its employees, recognizing their role as the foundation of the organization. They provide a range of exceptional benefits, including chef-prepared organic meals, complimentary dental and health check-ups, in-house nap pods, subsidized massages, death benefits for employees’ families, and subsidies for hybrid cars, among others. These perks contribute to an empowering and positive work culture that fosters creativity and personal growth.
Read more: https://jcsr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40991-017-0021-0#Sec25
Culture is not just one aspect of the game, it is the game.
In the end, an organization is nothing more than the collective capacity of its people to create value.
– Lou Gerstner, Former CEO of IBM
Now that it has been firmly established that both work culture and people play vital roles in driving an organization forward; in this article, we talk about the importance of building a positive culture and its key pillars and best practices.
Why Is Positive Work Culture Important?
To fully grasp the significance of work culture, it is necessary to begin by comprehending its definition. Similar to how every household has its own set of beliefs and rules, organizations also possess a distinct work culture. It encompasses a range of attitudes, behaviors, shared values, practices, and other characteristics that dictate how individuals should conduct themselves within the organization. Work culture plays a crucial role in shaping the overall atmosphere of the organization, and the values and beliefs embedded within it serve as reflections of the organization’s vision and mission. This is precisely why, 91% of managers in the U.S. believe that a candidate’s alignment with the company culture is equally or more important than their skills and experience.
The work culture of a company is established by its values, which serve as a foundation. The manager or leader plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organization’s vision is effectively realized with the support of the employees. Additionally, the physical office environment, including factors such as lighting, plants, seating areas, food options, break rooms, and other amenities, also has an impact on work culture. According to studies, nearly half (46%) of job seekers consider company culture to be a significant factor when applying for a job.
https://builtin.com/company-culture/company-culture-statistics
- As employees form the foundation of the organization, a positive work culture enables the organisation to provide them with engagement and satisfaction.
- Positive work culture is important as it ensures retention and recruitment.
- It even helps in fostering an environment of harmony whilst increasing the performance and productivity of the employees.
- When all these elements are effectively managed, employees can work and thrive in an environment where their health and well-being are prioritized, allowing them to experience peace and tranquillity.
- Above all, a positive work culture nurtures an atmosphere conducive to innovation and progress.
Key Pillars and Best Practices
- The quality of a team relies heavily on its leader. Managers and leaders should exemplifying strong leadership and embodying values such as integrity, empathy, and inclusivity. Studies suggest that 97 % of leaders feel that a positive workplace creates resilient teams. While 91% of the leader agree that their actions indirectly or directly affects the work culture, and by being approachable to employees, leaders can set a powerful example for their team members
- A company without a clear mission and vision will lack a sense of purpose. It is essential to establish a vision statement and ensure its deep-rooted presence in the minds and hearts of your employees.
- According to recent data, an impressive 67% of job seekers prioritize the diversity and inclusivity factor when applying for a job. Additionally, 50% of employees hope for their current company to become more diverse and inclusive. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness when building a team. This cultivates a culture of respect, stimulates a broad spectrum of perspectives, and ensures equal opportunities for all individuals involved.
https://blog.bonus.ly/diversity-inclusion-statistics - Open and transparent communication stands as a foundational pillar for any company. It encourages employees to freely express their thoughts, leading to positive outcomes and fostering collaboration and teamwork. Such an approach helps prevent rumours and maintain a harmonious work environment.
- In today’s competitive world, continuous learning is paramount for survival. Companies should provide benefits and incentives to employees who seek ongoing learning opportunities, while also motivating others to do the same. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, advocates for a culture of being “learn-it-alls” rather than “know-it-alls,” emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset. This mindset encourages personal and professional development, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. He supports this by making videos where he acknowledges and celebrates employees who demonstrate this mindset.
- To promote a thriving work culture, companies must recognize and reward achievements. Southwest Airlines exemplifies this by implementing its ‘Spirit Stars’ program, where employees can nominate their peers for exceptional performance. Similarly, Microsoft follows a like approach with their ‘The Microsoft Gold Star’ program. These programs serve as motivational tools and contribute to employee retention by recognizing and appreciating outstanding contributions. By embracing such initiatives, companies demonstrate their commitment to nurturing a positive work environment that values and incentivizes excellence.
https://lancerbee.com/blog/do-southwest-airlines-employees-get-discounts-benefits/ - In practice, being empathetic remains a timeless virtue that never loses its relevance. According to a recent survey, Microsoft emerged as the most empathetic company globally, boasting an empathy quotient of 100. Following closely behind are Facebook with a score of 93.21 and Tesla with 87.68. Emphasizing on being empathetic, Belinda Parmar the founder of social enterprise Little Miss Geek and the CEO of Lady Geek in an interview with Forbes said, “More empathic companies attract the best people, retain their staff and have loyal customers”. Effective leaders can demonstrate empathy by understanding their employees, providing training and workshops, acting as a support system, and promoting open communication. By embodying these qualities, leaders create a culture of empathy and foster a supportive work environment.
https://www.ted.com/talks/belinda_parmar_empathy_in_action
Conclusion
Your organization’s employees are the heart and essence of its success. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and happiness. When employees are happy, they are more likely to deliver exceptional outcomes. Studies indicate that happy employees are 30% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. To maintain their motivation at a high level, it is important for organizations to ensure job satisfaction, foster innovation, and enhance overall employee contentment. Recognizing and rewarding their efforts, showing empathy when things don’t go well for them, and fostering open communication channels are vital for boosting employee morale and facilitating the growth of the organization as a whole.