How to Improve Company Culture: Strategies for Lasting Improvement
There’s no singular rule that defines what it means to have a good company culture.
Essentially, what works for one business might not work for another. However, if your staff are leaving by the dozen and there is obvious tension between teams, it’s often a sign that changes need to be made in-house.
Companies that invest in improving their culture can boost revenue by as much as 33%. Getting help from HR support can give you peace of mind. It ensures you have the right strategies to retain top talent and maximise their potential.
What is company culture?
Company culture is a corporation’s ‘personality’ – and an employee’s experience of working there day to day. It’s shaped by the shared values and behaviours that influence people’s actions. It’s not just about having formal policies in place (though those play a key part), but also the everyday things, such as how problems are solved and how leaders support their teams.
HR’s role in company culture
HR professionals can guide companies in shaping in-house culture, as follows:
- Translating company values into desired practices and behaviours.
- Hiring the right people
- Onboarding new hires
- Training managers to develop culture strategies.
- Encouraging open discussions
- Appointing fair policies
- Promoting inclusion
- Creating a supportive environment
These are some of the reasons why you should not overlook investing in a professional HR company.
What are the benefits of company culture?
A positive company culture can offer several benefits to your employees:
Increased innovation
When leaders actively carry out employee recognition, it encourages staff to maintain (or even increase) their hard efforts. Creativity shouldn’t go unnoticed. Rewarding good performance inspires employees to further think outside the box – and take even more initiative. The result? A forward-thinking workforce that catapults the business to long-term success.
Higher retention rates
Your company’s reputation is one of the biggest draws of enticing top talent to join your team. And perhaps even more importantly, it encourages employees to stay put. People are more likely to stay with a company when they respect its values.
Reduces employee burnout
Burnout doesn’t always show up as someone admitting they’re struggling. It often goes unnoticed. Yet, it may present as an employee becoming withdrawn or carrying out the bare minimum to get through the day. Companies that take well-being seriously are more likely to get the best out of their team.
Better communication
In welcoming work environments, open communication becomes the norm. Employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas without negative implications. Therefore, managers are fully aware of how their employees are feeling at any given time and can take action immediately if issues arise.
Increased business profits
Employees who are willing to go above and beyond can have a hugely positive impact on business profits. When motivation throughout the team is low, tasks are often left on the back burner. In turn, this slows down productivity and can drastically impact the company’s bottom line.
How to build company culture
So, now you know the benefits of a good company culture for your business, how do you build a great one?
Listen to employee feedback
First and foremost, it’s important to listen to your employees. The reason? They see directly where the problems lie.
Employees may not want to voice their opinions publicly. Therefore, it may be best to send out digital surveys. Ask about what they like about the existing culture and where changes could be made. When people are given the chance to share their opinion, it gives them a sense of belonging and worth.
Define the company’s values
There’s one key question to consider: What does your company stand for?
Sit down with your leadership team and discuss priorities. Maybe you’re keen to introduce sustainability into workplace practices. Or, perhaps you are drawn to creating a work environment that values respect and equality.
Hire the right people
Skills can be taught. You can’t convince someone to change their values. That’s why hiring employees who align with your company culture is critical.
Technical ability only goes so far when it comes to finding suitable candidates. Pay close attention to how they approach key aspects such as teamwork and challenges.
Lead by example
As a manager, you influence the direction of the company culture. Employees trust you to take realistic action when it comes to making a change.
For instance, claiming to support healthy boundaries while consistently emailing your team late at night sends mixed messages. Plus, it gives the idea that employees should never switch off.
Make sure expectations are clear
From day one, it’s crucial that employees clearly understand what’s expected of them. Guesswork can lead to unnecessary errors and stress. With this in mind, holding regular meetings eliminates these instances and helps all staff feel confident in their tasks.
Supporting career development
A growth-focused culture is all about encouraging employees to climb the career ladder. Offering opportunities across the entire workforce is proof that the company is invested in each individual’s success.
What can HR do to influence the company culture?
A progressive corporate culture requires consistent reinforcement and the right expertise.
A skilled HR team, like Trusted HR, can turn your company values into clear actions. Our experienced consultants work with organisations across the UK, providing flexible support. Our range of services includes:
- Managing Conduct
- Management and Leadership Development
Want to create a positive company culture, but don’t know where to start? Get in touch with Trusted HR today for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
