Think you’ve got a good company culture? Think again.

Most modern businesses understand the term “culture” and realise its significance in the workplace. Or at least they think they do.

In a recent study by The Alternative Board (TAB) 86% of business owners sighted culture as a major contributor to their company’s success. While this number is high, most also admitted to having room for improvement. 

Only 52% said their vendors could accurately define their company’s culture, and only 79% said their own employees could. And only 60% strongly agreed that their company lives by the values it promotes (38% somewhat agreed).

The TAB survey results echo what other researchers have already discovered about company culture. In a 2015 study from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, 90% of executives said culture is important to their firm, while 78% cited it in the top five things that make their companies valuable. Despite that, only 15% said their company’s culture was exactly where it needed to be.

And it’s not just business owners who believe corporate cultures need work. A survey of more than 200,000 employees found that 64% of all employees don’t feel like their company has a strong culture. 

As a business owner, this figure should worry you because we know that happy employees are 12% more productive).

With this in mind, what can you do to boost employee engagement and create a happy work environment? And, why aren’t your current tactics working? Taking a box ticking approach to culture simply won’t work. Let’s look at the things that can actually positively impact culture, and the things that won’t even scratch the surface.

Good culture ISN’T:

Weekly yoga classes

You’ve probably heard that Google offers office yoga and so you think you need to do the same. Sure, employee well being should be a big focus but, unfortunately, a weekly yoga class isn’t going to move the needle.

Friday night work drinks

If the only time your employees feel they are allowed to socialise and unwind is at the end of the workweek, it’s not a good sign, and it’s certainly a red flag if these work drinks involve complaining about the workweek. 

Work from home options

Allowing your team to work from home once or twice a week is different to offering a fully flexible workplace. If an employee feels left out, behind on work or out of the loop after a WFH day, then chances you’re not doing enough to create flexibility and autonomy.

Team building days

Believe it or not, a day of cringe-worthy activities and fake workplace camaraderie once or twice a year is not enough to make up for a dissatisfied team. The truth is, more often than not, team-building exercises fail to address the structural issues that exist in the work environment.

A cool office

Sure, you’ve got a ping pong table, some bean bags and a gaming room. But, do you really want to be running a business where the only thing enticing people into the office is some games?

Working long hours

It might seem like a good sign of commitment from your team when they are willing to stay late to finish a project. But, be careful of creating an office environment built on glorifying long hours and thrives off competition for who is working the hardest. This will lead to burnout and disengagement in the long run.

Performance bonuses

It’s true that many people are motivated by money, but it’s not the only thing that makes individuals want to work hard for a company. If a bonus is the only thing driving your team, you can expect a high turnover rate and low engagement across the board.

Good culture IS:

Having a life outside of work

Walking around the office and hearing your employees chatting about what they did on the weekend, or in the evenings after work, is a good thing. Having hobbies and interests outside of their career will keep your team well-grounded.

Actual flexibility

No, we don’t just mean a few days here and there, we mean actual flexibility. There’s a big difference between saying you have a flexible work environment and actually having one. Giving your team flexibility shows trust and is only possible when a business has a clear mission and vision.

Sounds of laughter

A company with good work culture isn’t always quiet. There will be sounds of laughter in the distance when both employees and executives let themselves have a little bit of fun. Plus, laughter is contagious and is a great way to spread some happiness, especially when workloads are increasing or pressure is intensifying.

Everyone pitching in

When an entire team shares the same values and works towards similar goals, everybody is willing to come together and pitch in. When your vision, mission and values are aligned, you’ll never hear the words “that’s not my job” as everyone knows their greatest purpose and are prepared to work hard to move the business forward.

Plenty of training opportunities

Most people want to know that their going somewhere and that their are opportunities for growth within their role. Offering training courses and programs is a great way to keep your team motivated and excited about their work. 

Low employee turnover

Perhaps the clearest sign that your company culture is thriving is employee retention. If you’re people are sticking around for the long haul, keep doing what you’re doing!

Starting to realise that your company culture isn’t as great as you once thought it was and wondering what can you do about it? Here are our recommendations:

Start with an Employee Engagement survey to get to the root of the problem. One of the biggest mistakes that managers make is telling their employees what they need, instead of asking them what they want. Our Employee Engagement Surveys help you uncover what’s really going on.

Redefine your Vision, Mission and Values. Why would a company want to revisit their Vision, Mission and Values? They provide the focus for your company that helps to align everyone within the business, ensuring that everyone is working towards a single purpose. Having them in place improves motivation, assists with hiring, helps customers to better understand your business and defines expected behaviours for employees.

Want to find out more? Get in touch today.