Company culture impacts everything from your financial success to your customer’s happiness.
And that’s why working on and improving your company culture makes strategic sense.
In this guide, we’ll explain company culture, why it’s so important and how you can improve it for everyone’s benefit.
What is company culture?
Your company culture is something that should be tangible, even to an outsider.
It incorporates everything—what you do, how you do it, your systems, values, behaviors, goals and the experience you provide for both your employees and customers.
At its core, company culture is simply how things get done in your workplace.
Imagine this: a stranger walks into your workplace. What’s their experience?
- Are they greeted warmly by employees on their way in?
- Does your receptionist offer a smile, a drink and a comfortable seat?
Or:
- Are they ignored until they approach someone for help?
These scenarios reflect very different company cultures. The first demonstrates warmth, positivity and approachability, while the second feels uncomfortable and unwelcoming.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
Company culture is the social order of your organization. It shapes the attitudes and behaviors of your people.
It can come from a number of sources:
- Communication styles.
- Decision-making processes.
- Hiring and firing practices.
- Support for growth and development.
- Recognition of hard work and achievements.
Why improving company culture matters
A great company culture can impact performance metrics, such as:
- Financial success.
- Employee and customer retention.
- Innovation.
- Customer satisfaction.
When a company’s culture is strong, it is inclusive, rewarding and aligned with employees’ values. This makes people happier and more engaged, which boosts efficiency, creativity and productivity.
This benefits your current team and helps with recruitment. A strong culture enhances your reputation and attracts high-quality candidates.
Culture styles: where does your business fit?
To improve your culture, it’s important to understand where your business currently sits. Companies often fall into one or more of these eight culture styles:
1. Caring
Focuses on relationships and trust. These workplaces are warm, collaborative and supportive, with leaders prioritizing sincerity and teamwork.
2. Purposeful
Built on tolerance and compassion, with employees driven to make a positive difference. Leaders emphasize sustainability and shared ideals.
3. Learning
Creative, inventive and open-minded, these workplaces spark innovation and exploration. Leaders are adventurous and forward-thinking.
4. Enjoyable
Focused on fun and excitement. These workplaces are light-hearted, with leaders who prioritize spontaneity and humor.
5. Results-focused
Prioritizes achievement and winning. These workplaces are goal-oriented and merit-based, with leaders focused on performance.
6. Strong
Competitive and control-driven, with confident leaders who emphasize dominance and structure.
7. Safety-focused
These workplaces center on planning, security and preparedness. They are predictable, risk-conscious, and led by realistic, detail-oriented leaders.
8. Orderly
Built on respect, structure and shared norms. Leaders emphasize rules, procedures and consistency.
Many businesses combine aspects of multiple styles, but conflicting styles (e.g., safety and learning) can lead to counterproductive environments.
How to improve your business’s culture
Here are the steps you should take to improve your company culture:
1. Understand your current culture
Start by assessing your workplace. Gather feedback from employees and observe behaviors. Look for strengths and areas that need improvement.
2. Define your ideal culture
Identify the values, behaviors and goals you want to prioritize. Consider the aspects of cultural styles that resonate most with your business.
3. Create a business manifesto
Document your values, goals and expectations. Share this manifesto widely within your organization, using it as a tool for hiring and internal alignment.
4. Implement supportive policies
Promote employee well-being through initiatives like:
- Flexible working options.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Team-building activities.
- Community involvement and volunteering programs.
5. Reinforce positive behaviors
Recognize and reward actions that align with your desired culture. Celebrate achievements and ensure that your leadership embodies the cultural values you want to promote.
Need help in improving your culture?
Improving your business’s culture may feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time addressing it formally. Whether you need help from the start or prefer to gather feedback and assess your culture first, we’re here to support you.
Get in touch with us to start a conversation and take the first step toward a better company culture.