Company culture. It's a term thrown around a lot these days, often during the onboarding process for new starters. We list our values, mission statements, and maybe even share a funny anecdote about a past company outing. But how often do we truly delve into what culture is and how it's shaped?
The truth is company culture isn't a set of rules etched in stone. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation where new recruits have to conform to an existing mould. Instead, it's every individual within the organisation. It's the energy you feel when you walk through the door, the way you collaborate with colleagues, and how you approach clients.
Here's a common misconception: company culture can be dictated from the top down. Management draws out the expectations, and everyone falls in line. But culture isn't something you can enforce. It's something you cultivate, nurture, and allow to evolve organically.
This doesn't mean onboarding is unimportant. Introducing new hires to the company's values and standards is crucial. Understanding how to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients is essential. But company culture is a two-way street. Newcomers bring fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and unique experiences. They enrich the existing culture by introducing new dynamics and viewpoints.
So, how do we move forward and embrace this collaborative approach to culture? Here are some key points:
Training that goes beyond onboarding: Yes, company values and working practices are important during onboarding. But cultural understanding goes beyond that first introduction. Regular training sessions focused on effective communication, teamwork, and even navigating difficult conversations are essential. This ensures everyone is equipped to foster a positive and inclusive environment.
Preventative, not reactive: Let's face it, company culture isn't something you fix after an incident occurs, so the training shouldn’t be implemented after an incident either but instead should be a standardised practise to have regular training sessions. It's about building a strong foundation from the get-go. Proactive training that emphasises inclusive behaviours and open communication helps prevent issues before they arise.
All-encompassing development: Cultural development shouldn't stop at middle management. This should be from the CEO to the newest member of the team, everyone has a role to play. Investing in training programmes that cater to all levels fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ensures everyone understands their contribution to the company culture.
Embrace the role of the individual: Company culture isn't a singular entity. It's an ecosystem where individual personalities and strengths come together. Encouraging open communication, diverse perspectives, and celebrating what makes each person unique strengthens the overall culture.
The Power of Recurring Culture Training:
By implementing a programme of recurring culture training for all levels, organisations unlock an array of benefits:
· Boosted Productivity: When employees understand company goals, values, and how their role contributes to the bigger picture, they become more engaged and motivated. This translates to increased focus, improved collaboration, and ultimately, a significant boost in overall productivity.
· Stronger Bottom Line: Happy, engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and less likely to leave. Recurring culture training helps foster a positive work environment, leading to lower turnover rates and reduced recruitment costs. Additionally, a strong company culture attracts top talent, giving you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
· A More Enjoyable Workplace: Training that focuses on communication, conflict resolution, and fostering a sense of belonging creates a supportive and respectful work environment. This translates to reduced stress and increased job satisfaction for employees, who are more likely to find their work enjoyable.
· Improved Employee Retention: Investing in your employees through training shows your commitment to their growth and development. This fosters a sense of loyalty and appreciation, leading to higher employee retention rates. A stable workforce with low turnover translates to a more efficient organisation and a significant cost saving.
· A Great Place to Work: A strong company culture is a powerful magnet for attracting top talent. Regularly investing in your culture and showcasing it through employer branding initiatives paints a picture of a desirable workplace. This makes it easier to recruit and keep highly skilled individuals.
By fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, we allow company culture to flourish organically. It's not about fitting into a mould; it's about creating a space where everyone can contribute as their authentic selves.
Although investing in organisational training seems like an expense in which can’t be spared at this moment in time, it could in turn increase your profitability and decrease your requirements of recruitment. By embracing this collaborative approach and implementing recurring cultural training, we can cultivate a thriving culture that empowers individuals, fosters creativity, leads to a stronger bottom line, and ultimately, creates a workplace where everyone enjoys coming to work.
We use professional actors to mirror your real-life experiences, behaviours, and language. This creates a safe space for open discussion, where participants can:
Challenge negative cultural patterns they've witnessed.
Celebrate positive behaviours that contribute to a thriving environment.
It's a non-accusatory approach that fosters open dialogue and empowers your team to build a better workplace together.
Get in touch today to see how we can help your first steps.
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