Employees can identify a strong company culture through how employees collaborate, communicate and support each other. Management also sets an example by leading by example and showing respect for its defining values as a testament to that strong culture.
This approach attracts employees who understand and embrace the company culture, keeping them engaged while helping reduce customer acquisition costs and employee replacement expenses.
Invest in Employee Development
Contrary to popular belief, building a strong company culture doesn’t require costly foosball tables and frequent happy hours. Engaging your team through employee development rather than group lunches and parties is key for building a positive company environment.
People today tend to seek employment with companies that clearly communicate their purpose and values, so their efforts contribute to something bigger than themselves and they feel as though their employers care for their success and happiness.
Managers must facilitate frequent two-way communications with employees to facilitate open and honest dialogue among team members, leading to stronger relationships and greater team engagement. Furthermore, regular two-way conversations ensure everyone on the team remains aligned so they can move forward together.
Make Teamwork a Priority
Employees tend to be much more engaged when working alongside teammates. They’re motivated to support and advocate for one another, and more likely to stay with their company when they feel as though they belong to something bigger.
Teamwork is at the core of any strong culture, and that starts by ensuring employees feel supported and valued by their managers. Open communication between supervisors and teams, as well as encouraging employees to approach any member of management with questions or issues they might be having.
Too often, people associate company culture with lavish perks; in reality, however, it refers to how a company supports its employees and creates a collaborative working environment for all. This approach ensures you attract and retain top talent – so the investment in company culture is well worth it!
Recognize Individual Achievements
Employee engagement increases significantly when employees feel their managers and co-workers care for them, value their contributions, listen to them, address any concerns and provide growth opportunities. That’s why many organizations invest in team development programs for their teams–from informal lunch-and-learns to more advanced leadership courses.
Key to creating a strong company culture is communicating your vision and values regularly so your team can witness them being implemented daily, then beginning planning and providing real growth opportunities for employees.
By giving them this kind of support, not only are you helping them develop their skills further but it’s also showing your trust in their abilities – something which is critical when creating happy employees in any role.
Involve Employees in Decision-Making
Culture at any company may be dictated by management, but its construction depends on employee involvement. Employees have the power to alter or destroy its foundation; as leaders must show them they value their contributions.
Employees will find greater meaning in their work if they can see how their contributions support the long-term goals of an organization, and by including them in decision making processes they are more likely to feel engaged with their jobs and foster open lines of communication with managers and workers.
An open-door policy can help foster this behavior among employees. They should feel welcome to approach any member of the management team for advice regarding any issue they are experiencing directly.
Reward Success
Employee engagement is an ongoing conversation for companies of all sizes. Studies show that an engaged workforce creates a better work environment, higher productivity and increased profitability; yet often overlooked factors for long-term engagement remain; according to Ceridian’s 2017 Pulse of Talent report, employees feel most satisfied in their workplace when supported by great coworkers as well as learning and development opportunities.
Leaders that prioritize these elements create strong company cultures that attract and retain top talent. A vibrant workplace culture involves more than free lunches, unlimited vacation days and dog-friendly offices – it involves how employees behave towards one another as well as the values that guide daily operations. Make sure your organization’s defining values are evident through regular check-ins with your team members.
