A successful business today is built on a successful company culture. This term can be interpreted as a company’s personality, reflecting its values and practices. The term is brought to life by how employees act and interact. A nurturing company culture increases employee retention, attitude, morale, and engagement. Above all, a positive company culture increases business.
Here are some tips about how to build a successful company culture:
1. Revisit Your Company’s Mission and Values
Begin by revisiting and recommitting to the set of beliefs that are your company.
These core values guide all you do. As part of this preliminary exercise, ask yourself to find three words that accurately describe the “personality” of your company; e.g. flexible, customer-oriented, resourceful, honest, dedicated, employee-centered, dependable, forward-thinking, etc. These descriptors should support your mission and values.
2. Communicate Mission and Values to All Employees
All of your employees need to be on board with the underlying beliefs that drive your company. These core values should be “in front of” everyone, every day. Include them on your website, email format, and social media pages. Most companies incorporate their values in a signature “tagline” and “logo.” Make your messaging consistent and positive for employees and clients/customers.
3. Set the Example—Be a Role Model
It’s up to you to lead by example and set the tone for the rest of the organization. For instance, if respect is a core value, show respect; if being heard is a core value, listen; and if going the extra mile is a core value, go the extra mile. Being at the top of the organizational chart does not exempt you from living the company’s values. Your employees will follow your lead when they see that you live the values.
4. Appreciate Your Employees
Employees who feel valued and appreciated will make a personal commitment to your company. A “thank you,” “pat on the back,” or brief note can go a very long way. No one should feel anonymous or alienated from your workplace, goals, and workforce. Take time to learn your employees’ names. When you address them by name, they will feel connected and respected.
5. Empowerment
Encourage your staff to come forth with ideas, innovations and suggestions. Quite often, workers on the front line can offer efficiencies and processes that translate into better business practices. Listen and learn. Implementing changes based on a staff member’s suggestion builds a collaborative culture where everyone is vested in success. It also sets the stage by giving employees experience with change, an inevitable part of doing business.
6. Employees Recognition and “Perks”
Providing scheduled and spontaneous “perks” is another way of building a culture of cooperation and commitment. From planning a shorter workday before a holiday to bringing in pizza for everyone, from arranging employee discounts with local vendors to providing a bright and clean lunchroom, from saying “thank you” to naming an Employee of the Month, a company’s culture is ultimately defined by the people who work there. Make working at your company pleasant, respectful and friendly.
When you build a successful culture, the word will get out: your company is a great place to work and a great place to do business.
