Driving company culture at the workplace and its benefits for business

The Googles and Facebooks of this world have set the bar high for what modern-day corporate culture should look like. Top-notch office spaces, endless at-work benefits and a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

But beyond the façade of fun of and freedom at work, company culture is a means by which employees positively identify with working for a company – if they didn’t, they likely wouldn’t last.

Admittedly, organisational culture is one of those terms that’s hard to define and there’s no formula for businesses to follow. It can be described as a set of values ingrained in a company’s DNA, which drives its vision and general conduct, both internally and externally.

It is certainly what could set up your company for long-term success, where employees feel respected, seen and valued, in good and bad times. Here are some key tips for driving company culture at the workplace, which should be led by top management, but embraced by all.

1. Purpose and engagement

Employees should feel that their work matters, which in turn creates a sense of belonging to the company they work for. It’s also crucial to engage staff to understand whether they’re actually fulfilling their purpose at work, and if not, listening to their needs for a better overall employer-employee relationship.

2. Foster trust

Creating an environment of trust at the workplace is fundamental – and this is the responsibility of the business leader. Trust in that employees feel their belongings at the office are safe; that they believe they are part of a team where everybody plays their part; and that they’re confident of their employer’s faith in them doing their work.

3. Encourage communication

Whether or not your company is based on hierarchical leadership, encouraging communication – where staff feel safe expressing their feedback and concerns – could foster long-term employee satisfaction. Transparent communication should be two-way though, where both the employee and employer should be satisfied with the outcome.

4. Company culture isn’t static

Just as your company’s purpose, goals or even business may change over time to adapt to prevalent circumstances, so too should your company culture. Ultimately, employers should want their staff to positively recommend their workplace to others, because they feel satisfied, accepted and optimistic about their position within their organisation.