Having a strong workplace identity and culture can sometimes sound like just a fancy new buzzword for business and industry. But in reality, a great workplace culture is key to running a successful organisation. It inspires loyalty, builds your brand, and keeps your employees engaged and motivated. Here are a few tips on how to create a workplace culture that will help draw the best talent to your business and increase your productivity.
Share the Vision
Establishing a vision statement is important for several reasons. It can tell people both inside and outside of the organisation about your core values and what you have to offer. It also provides a reference point for all employees, including management, for measuring the success of the business. It’s critical to relate how things relate each communication and interaction back to your mission, and how it will be accomplished. Make sure employees know that they play a key role in achieving the goals of the company.
Support the Team
In a thriving work environment, the focus is on the team, not the individuals. Feeling like they play a critical role in the operation of the company and that their contributions are valued adds motivation and engagement to the workplace. They don’t work for you, they work with you. Recognising that each team member contributes to the mission will help avoid the “us” versus “them” mentality between management and employees.
Put Employees First
A motivated and energised workforce will do more for the success of your organisation than any marketing campaign. When you take care of your people, they will be inspired to do well and to give back. Creating a culture where employees feel as though they are supported and encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally, will create a strong attachment to the leadership of your business.
One good employee is much more valuable than a few bad customers, but many businesses are quick to appease customers, often leaving employees feel like they have been shafted for the sake of PR. Back them up when a customer or client is being unreasonable.
Focus on Wellness
One of the keys to putting employees first is focusing on employee wellness. Showing that you care about the well-being of your team is a good way to let them know that the role they play is vital to the success of your business. Having a strong benefits and wellness focus will help you to attract the best employees, and will keep them from losing their excitement for your mission.
Make Them Invested
Employee ownership and stock options are a fantastic way to ensure that employees are going to be working for the betterment of the company. It can go a long way to making them want the business to be as successful as you do. When employees feel as though they are invested in the success or failure of the business, they are more inclined to meet goals and expectations. If things go well for the company, things go well for them too.
Create Work-life Balance
One of the most important issues facing today’s workers is that of work-life balance. As the workplace is changing to an environment where people are expected to be available by mobile device after-hours, on weekends, and even when on vacation, it’s critical that you offer flexibility.
If someone is putting in 2-3 hours of work to help meet a deadline on a Friday, night, make sure that you return the favour by offering flexible working hours or letting them take time to attend a child’s school assembly on a Tuesday morning without feeling like they’re going to be penalised. It’s not hard to give them the same consideration for their personal lives that you expect from them professionally.
Creating a great workplace culture really boils down to fostering respect for the value that employees bring to your company. Make sure that they are recognised and rewarded for doing well, and that they feel supported in both their personal and professional lives.
Rachel is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. She loves to hike and write about travelling, education and business. She is a Senior Content Manager at Bizset.com – an online resource of relevant business information.
