Workplace culture is a significant aspect of all businesses that few companies address when they start, and most simply let it form during their formative years.
However, an undefined culture that catches all of its members’ traits can result in a toxic or unproductive workplace very quickly.
It would be best if you defined your workplace culture right from the start, setting your values and how you wish the company to run.
This way, you’ll guarantee your workplace becomes a highly productive place filled with like-minded people who enjoy the environment in the business.
The Difference Between a Natural and a Defined Workplace Culture
An organic workplace culture occurs when there is no set direction in the organization from the start, there are no values to guide the work of employees in the company.
The values of the workplace continuously change depending on who’s leading the place, and chances are there is low employee retention.
Although the workplace culture of great companies might seem organic and originated naturally from working over decades, the reality is that most big businesses have a deliberate and structured approach to the workplace culture.
Analyzing the values of your organization and setting clear goals from the start is what creates an ethical workplace culture, following said values and hiring people based on whether they’re an excellent fit to the business is what maintains a healthy workplace.
Leadership is Crucial
Even with a defined workplace culture, if there is no one to oversee and lead by example, productive work will be hard to maintain.
Whoever is leading your organization must understand and follow the principles of the business, enforcing the defined culture, and leading everyone with their actions.
Management positions have always been the toughest places to fill in an organization, as they can make or break a workplace culture.
A Positive Workplace Culture is a Sustained Effort
You have to work every day towards achieving a positive workplace culture, and if you feel you finally made it and you’re working in a positive environment, you have to maintain that energy.
Employees come and go with time, management changes, and the market is frequently taking radical turns, so you must account for all this and ensure that culture-building activities are going on all the time.
Onboarding is the most crucial part of sustaining a workplace culture, as you are explaining everything that is important about the organization and how it runs to a new person that brings luggage from their previous jobs.
Handling Mental and Emotional Health
Taking mental health days is an essential tool to relieve stress and improve the productivity of employees.
Avoiding burnout should be the company’s highest priority with employees, providing them with the tools to feel comfortable in their workplaces while still performing at optimum levels.
There are dozens of ways to improve mental and emotional health in the workplace, and you should research which one could improve your particular business.
Physical Wellbeing is Essential Too!
A healthy mind goes hand-in-hand with a healthy body. Don’t neglect the physical aspect of your health and think about how to improve the workplace to stay healthy.
There are local fitness centers that can offer their services at discounted rates for your organization. This way, you’re promoting physical health in your team and creating an excellent partnership with a local business.
Most fitness centers have gym management software that allows your organization to schedule events or fitness classes for your members online.
The Influence of a Defined Workplace Culture in Performance
Most businesses with an organic workplace culture end up with underperforming environments since there are no values to motivate its members.
Without a compass to guide the workplace, employee retention will be low and those who stay will most likely underperform as they won’t feel welcomed by the environment.
A defined workplace culture leads to higher productivity, high employee retention, and an overall more comfortable experience for your employees.
Always remember that this is a sustained effort; it’s not a sprint that culminates in a healthy workplace; it’s a never-ending marathon of frequent events, constant checkups, and upholding your organization’s values, which leads to the perfect workplace.
Whether you’re considering to start a business or you have years in your established company, you can create a positive workplace culture if you start defining your environment today. Set clear goals and values that you wish the business to uphold and communicate them to your workplace, explain it and actively work towards the positive environment your business needs.