There are many different types of workplace cultures. Just because one big firm is successful with their company strategies does not mean it will work for your business as well. Whichever type of culture you choose to adopt, it is important to define the culture and values that are important to you.
What will you stand behind years to come? It is the role of management to set the standard for a team to follow. Strive to make managerial decisions that represent your businesses’ core values.
Make sure everyone on your team is on the same page in terms of what is expected of them.
Across the country, there are many companies implementing a variety of strategies to stay on the cutting edge of success. It is important that you look at what’s working. Then you can define what style of culture will be right for your business.
Here are five types of workplace cultures that have proven effective for their respective companies.
1. A Culture of Innovation
Of course, many companies claim to “be innovative”. So what exactly defines a culture of innovation? Essentially, it is when you are willing to step away from conventional ideas and embrace new ones. This is easier said than done. How willing are you, as a manager or leader, to listen to the new ideas of your employees, rather than sticking to “what has always worked in the past”?
You must be wise enough to recognize when it is time to let go of the old ways and make space for new ideas. A culture of innovation can be both exciting and scary. You must be willing to fail from time to time, in your pursuit of excellence.
A culture of innovation means that you have to also focus on customer satisfaction and service. Conduct customer surveys, be open to your employees’ suggestions and requests; be open and stay accessible.
“Include your employees in discussions about important business matters, and ask for their help in solving problems,” says Zeynep Ilgaz, president and founder of Confirm Biosciences. “They will rally around you, and this collaboration will strengthen your entire team.”
2. Culture of Transparency
Transparency is the only way to ensure trust in all levels of your company. And trust is vital to your organization’s success. How can your employees get behind your values and goals if they don’t trust you?
Start by creating an environment that shows you trust them. Show them that you are willing to involve them in important decisions, open lines of communication and follow up on their requests.
BambooHR is one company that takes transparency to a whole new level. Through all facets of their company, they express values introduced during onboarding, and they are reinforced constantly through internal communications, meeting themes, performance reviews, and annual awards. One way they have encouraged transparency has been through shorter, more frequent evaluations. This, ‘allow managers and employees to remain in the moment, and discuss current projects, rather than judging an entire year’s performance in one agonizingly long review.” These factors create a less intimidating review process, lending itself to boost employee engagement across the board.
3. Culture of Empowerment
How do you get your people to be excited about your company culture? By putting them in charge of creating it. If your employees feel as though they own the business’s culture, your workplace culture will thrive.
If this sounds impossible, start with small steps. Focus on helping draw your team to the visions and beliefs that you have built for yourself and your company. When they have doubts and questions, take the time to listen and understand them.
Find out why they feel this way, and then challenge them to come up with company solutions. If you would like to implement their new ideas, do so. Encourage them to be the change that they want to see in their work environment. That’s how you nurture pride in your organization.
4. Culture of Mutual Respect
This type of culture is by far one of the most important parts of building an ideal company culture. Many of today’s corporate problems could be minimized if only we had more genuine respect for each other as human beings.
Make it a company goal to treat others—regardless of level in the company—the same way each would want to be treated. Teach your workers that each person’s opinions and ideas should be valued or at least taken into consideration.
5. Culture of Fun
Some companies even have a Ministry of Fun department. This is to ensure that there is also a group of people on the team who are attuned to the human need for happiness and relaxation—even when on the job.
Making the perks something to look forward to in these types of workplace cultures doesn’t take that much investment. It could be as simple as hiring a professional catering service. Or, organizing fun activities or team-building outings. Give your workers some incentive to show up every day, and the payoffs will be worth it.
At the end of the day, it is up to you to determine which type of workplace culture will best benefit you and your business.
Need more tips on creating a successful company environment and bringing a positive vibe to your offices? Read more on the Corporate Essentials blog and find out about our professional office coffee and catering services.
