Workplace culture is made up of the attitudes and behaviours exhibited by all staff. It also encompasses the traditions and customs that are commonplace. In combination, these factors create a specific atmosphere or environment experienced by everyone who works for the organisation. Rather than referring to a set of regulations that could be shown to a newcomer, it’s more of an unwritten way of doing things. If workplaces have an unpleasant culture, the most ambitious people will struggle to make it a success.
What do organisations with solid and upbeat cultures have in common?
Staff members feel good and perform optimally when the corporate culture is healthy. So, what traits do these companies share?
Employees feel valued
Employee morale remains high when people feel confident in their position and safe at work. Along with encouraging social bonds and recognising individual achievements, drugs and alcohol workplace testing is one way a company can demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being. Matrix Diagnostics can provide expert advice to companies that want to test in their workplace. Furthermore, their UKAS accredited laboratory will support an in-house programme by having the test results ready within 48 hours.
Recruitment is effortless
When job satisfaction is high, employees are more likely to stay loyal, and there are fewer concerns around recruitment. However, as roles become available, companies with a good reputation find it easier to attract and retain talented people. Why do people choose to stay? In part, it’s because positive workplaces tend to facilitate teamwork and plenty of social interaction, so new employees quickly feel part of a collaboration.
Productivity levels are high
Studies have shown that people who feel happy in their job are more motivated and, as a result, highly productive. Moreover, staff are more likely to give their best to supportive and caring employers.
How do businesses create a positive workplace culture?
Building a great company culture takes time and effort, but it can be achieved by any size of business and does not require a huge budget. It involves employers genuinely caring about the issue and wanting to support their workforce. To boost the well-being of staff, employers can ask what they think is good and what could be improved about their working conditions. These suggestions can be utilised when developing a new, unique and more positive environment.
Transparency is practised
Along with a business plan and a mission statement, core values should also be laid down and communicated to the entire team. This helps people understand the importance of their role in the company and to feel valued. The same is true of a business’s goals. Once these are established, employees know what they are all working towards and gain a sense of unity. Finally, when a project has been challenging, employers need to show their gratitude for a job well done. When they experience positivity and optimism each day, employees are more like to act this way themselves.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
