A company’s culture affects many different dimensions of a company; including employee satisfaction, attracting and retaining talent and even the degree of creativity or innovation in the company. According to a survey by Deloitte, 94% of business executives believe that corporate culture is vital for the success of a business. The same survey also found that 88% of employees believe in the importance of company culture to business success. Indeed, companies with a positive culture are more likely to experience positive effects such as improved teamwork, improved work performance and even improved the mental well-being of employees.
However, it is not enough to describe culture through written components such as the vision/mission statement, values and company code. To benefit fully from company culture, it is important to implement it and nurture it among everyone at the company; from management to employees.
Tips on Nurturing Company Culture
1. Live the Culture
Coming up with mission statements, vision statements, core values, and company codes among others is an essential part of developing company culture. Similarly, sharing these culture statements and declarations with employees is important. However, to fully nurture company culture, it is important to live the culture; make it visible in all the activities, processes and decisions of the organization. Managers should also lead by example, living and leading according to the values professed by the organization.
2. Provide Employees with Meaning
For employees to fully buy into the company culture and be motivated enough to adapt it and live it, they must believe in the ultimate goals of the culture. This implies that employees must find meaning and purpose in living with the company culture. For example, managers should communicate to employees how the company culture to be adopted benefits their wellbeing and productivity.
3. Encourage Workplace Interaction
One of the most important things in the spread of any culture is the interaction of the people living the culture. This implies that social interaction among employees is a vital element in ensuring the strong growth of any culture. For example, a company or team may develop a system of eating together or even set aside a social space for employees in the workplace. Social interaction among employees also helps to develop a sense of community and belonging hence nurturing company culture even more.
4. Listen and Welcome Feedback
Employees buy into a company culture which they believe listens to them and value their voices. Listening to employees also facilitates the collection of any feedback on the company culture. Companies can then use this feedback to improve their company culture.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility
Research also suggests that employees are more likely to buy into the company culture of they see and believe that the company cares about doing good in the community and promoting sustainability.
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