Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Creating a positive workplace culture is the cornerstone of any successful organization. Since work is where you spend most of your day, it needs to be a place where employees feel supported and welcomed.
A culture that fosters collaboration, values diversity and prioritizes employee well-being not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and innovation. In today's competitive landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of work environment when it comes to hiring — and retaining — good talent.
Here are eight strategies that are sure to give your workplace culture a boost.
1. Have inclusive hiring processes
If you want to have a work environment full of different perspectives, you need to make your hiring process inclusive. This means you are hiring employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Follow industry standard best practices such as writing inclusive job postings, mitigating bias during interviews, and other strategies that make sure your hiring process will be inclusive.
Not only will employees of all kinds feel more comfortable in the workplace, but studies like this one published in Harvard Business Review article have shown that diverse teams make fewer errors and perform better.
2. Establish open and clear communication
A good workplace should encourage all employees to share their ideas and opinions. According to a study conducted by Salesforce, employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to perform their best. Managers should listen to the concerns of their employees and take them seriously.
Companies should also have a policy of clear communication where every employee understands their responsibilities and knows who to speak to when they have questions or concerns.
3. Value creativity
There are dozens of stories in the business world of creative employees changing their companies for the better. One example is the employee-submitted idea for Amazon Prime. According to the Seattle Times, engineer Charlie Ward submitted the idea in a digital employee suggestion box. Because his managers and executives listened to their employees, Amazon Prime is available in many countries.
A company with good workplace culture will value and reward creativity from its employees. Acknowledge and appreciate these creative contributions. Recognizing innovative thinking, whether through awards, praise, or promotions, reinforces its value within the organization.
4. Require safe and comfortable conditions
If you're a construction business, it goes without saying that having up-to-date and reliable safety equipment is a must. But there are many other organizations where it's helpful to go the extra mile to make the workplace a safe and comfortable place for your employees.
In an office setting, well-fitting, quality desk chairs and other office furniture go a long way. Working equipment like computers, printers, even break room microwaves and coffee makers all show your employees that you care about their working conditions. Nobody wants to waste work time dealing with that fussy printer or broken microwave!
5. Create mentorship programs
There is really no downside to implementing a mentorship program in your workplace. Kent State University professor and business consultant Christine Zust says, "A mentoring program ensures a win-win-win: The mentee wins. The mentor wins. The organization wins."
Newer employees receive guidance and encouragement from their more experienced counterparts. The mentor gains a sense of confidence and purpose while serving as a positive role model for new talent. Mentorship programs strengthen workplace culture and help instill pride in the company.
6. Encourage time off
The Center for Econimic and Policy Research not-so-lovingly refers to the United States as No-Vacation Nation. While the name is derived from data about paid time off opportunities, it's true that many U.S. workers don't take the time off they are given.
A Forbes panel asked 14 business leaders how companies can get employees to take more time off. Many of those people said those in leadership positions need to model time away from work. Maria Miletic of Blue Prism Software says, "Model time away, standardize out-of-office email responses and utilize tech to support employees truly unplugging!"
7. Allow flexibility and autonomy
Employees are looking for more flexibility and freedom than in years before. According to a FlexJobs survey, the option to work remotely and having a flexible schedule were in the top three most important aspects of a job for employees.
Organizations that allow autonomy and flexibility are going to be more attractive to prospective hires and therefore have a better pool of applicants to choose from. Employers will also likely have lower retention rates when flexibility is a priority.
8. Create opportunities for growth and advancement
Everyone loves a holiday bonus, but a good company will provide more than that to keep employees happy. While these occasional rewards are great motivators, opportunities for growth and advancement must be present in order to keep talented employees long-term.
Promotions and continuing education opportunities (like courses and certifications) are both ways to show an employee that the company is investing in their future. An employee should always have a clear understanding of their career path and what opportunities for advancement are available to them.
Learn more from local leaders
With Utah's economic landscape on of the best in the nation, there is something to be learned from business leaders in the area. Business owners and executives should consider attending the Peer Roundtable and Workplace Culture event in January. Panelists include Sui Lang Panoke of Zions Bank, Ben Brown of Fidelity Investments Angela Rogers of Morgan Stanley, Jason Myers of CHG Healthcare and Traci Houghton of Penna Powers. For more information visit the Salt Lake Chamber website.
