Workplace culture can be the catalyst for business success or a destructive force that crumbles an organization. Fostering an environment where employees can thrive is imperative to shaping a productive workplace culture and catering to the expectations of the customers
So, where does one begin on this journey to shape an exemplary workplace culture? The answer lies in assessing the turnover rate, employee complaints, and employee demographics. A great way to determine if your workplace culture is less than excellent is by sending out an anonymous survey to gather honest feedback from y
Culture is like the wind—invisible, yet its effects are tangible.
Harvard Business Review
Shaping Workplace Culture
As Harvard Business Review aptly describes, culture is like the wind—invisible, yet its effects are tangible. A culture blowing in the right direction leads to smooth sailing, while a contrary culture makes everything more challenging. A dysfunctional workplace, as per the Society for Human Resource Management, can cost U.S. employers a staggering $223 billion over five years, emphasizing the importance of a healthy work culture.
The good news is that a positive workplace culture creates resilient teams, according to 94% of managers. Furthermore, 97% of executives acknowledge that their actions directly impact workplace culture. Here are three key elements contributing to a thriving workplace culture:
Belonging: Research demonstrates that creating an environment where employees feel a strong sense of belonging significantly enhances business outcomes. High belonging is linked to improved job performance, reduced turnover risk, and fewer sick days. The result? Significant cost savings for the organization and a stronger reputation as an attractive employer.
Equity: Diversity and inclusivity are vital, but equity is equally important. Treating everyone fairly and equally is challenging due to unconscious biases. Age bias is just one example of bias that permeates the workplace. A culture of equity requires ongoing training, measuring employee sentiments, and addressing policies and practices that hinder workplace equity.
Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning and knowledge sharing enriches employee contributions. A growth mindset promotes collaborative exchange, differentiation of thought and style, and fosters development at all levels of the organization.
A Culture of Success
Creating a positive workplace culture necessitates leaders who set clear expectations and hold themselves and their employees accountable. However, the responsibility for shaping a productive workplace culture extends to every individual within the organization. Culture resides in the collective hearts and habits of the workforce, reflecting their shared perception of how things are done. In the quest for business success, fostering a positive workplace culture is not just a choice; it’s a necessity.
