Leadership expert John Spence says, culture equals cash. A thriving workplace culture is behind the success of any business. It drives engagement and attracts talent. Ultimately, one of the biggest mistakes is to let your work environment develop without setting intentions. Something so far-reaching needs to be defined and shaped.
If customer service has any place in your organization, your people will treat your customers as they are treated by leadership. Hal Rosenbluth so eloquently stated on the cover of his book, The Customer Comes Second, “PUT YOUR PEOPLE FIRST, AND WATCH ‘EM KICK BUTT”. Your employees are an extension of the organization’s leadership; treat them they way you want your customers treated.
What is Workplace Culture?
We can expect that a video game company in Los Angeles will have a very different workplace culture from a banking institution on Wall Street. It would probably be apparent from the moment we walked through the door.
Culture is essentially the psychological framework of a business—having a unique social and behavioral makeup. The personality of an organization touches everything from its values and traditions, to the ways in which employees interact with one another. But how do you build a strong workplace culture? The following are some key points.
Leadership with Autonomy
Leadership that allows employees autonomy in their roles is important for peak performance. It communicates a relationship of trust and self-worth. One way management structures can empower employees is by setting clear goals, then allowing workers to make decisions about how to achieve them. Teams are often demotivated by micromanagement, even when it’s meant to be supportive.
Listening
Businesses that ask their teams to weigh in on projects are more likely to find solutions and inspire innovation. When their feedback is valued, employees have a greater sense of ownership over their work. Listening drives engagement.
Appreciation for Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity refers to the traits and characteristics that make people unique, while inclusion refers to the behaviors and social norms that ensure people feel welcome. Each team member offers something unique that adds to workplace culture. Acknowledging diversity and inclusion transfers a sense of purpose and security to all employees. When people feel like they matter for what they contribute to the team, then they feel a sense of pride and that their job matters, creating loyalty to the team and to the success of the organization.
Productive Space
The workplace environment should reflect the desired culture and the type of business. Employee retention is good for business and better for the bottom line. Investing in workplace design, wellness, and amenities can provide a strong return by way of less turnover and greater productivity. If the workplace mirrors the culture of the typical employee, the office will be a place of greater comfort, higher production, and better employee retention.
(Photo Credit: Common Grounds Workspace; Carlsbad, CA)
Celebrate Successes
Life is short. Celebrating small wins and business milestones can bring a team closer together. Plus, happy employees care more about the work they do, which means retention rates are better.
It’s true, leaders set the tone for workplace culture, but bear in mind that cultures evolve and change. With experience in the workplace, we can provide you and your business with the guidance to build high performing teams. Let’s take the Pro Path!