Often, in business, concentrating on the strategy of the company is the main focus.
Is that because it’s the most crucial aspect to concentrate on? Many businesses think so, but primarily focusing on strategy can lead a company into stagnation. People make up a company and they collectively create the culture of the company. Culture does not just impact the employees in your office, it has effects on your brand, marketing, and how the public in general views your business. Without a healthy prospering culture a brand has little chance of long-term success. When we examine brands like Apple, Google, or Starbucks we not only recognize the logo, but we associate a variety of feelings and thoughts about these businesses. This is largely due to the culture of these companies.
Why Culture is so Important
Giving your employees a feeling of ownership over their jobs makes them feel empowered, and empowerment encourages innovative thinking. This all begins with a healthy workplace culture. If people feel invisible or stifled in their work place, they will do the bare minimum expected of them. It’s human nature to want to feel like we are part of something and that we have some control over our lives. Don’t forget that your brand is comprised of the individuals in your company. So nurturing a good company culture is not just the responsibility of the HR department, but of everyone, from the CEO to the janitor.
A healthy culture has numerous benefits. Here are just a few and the reasons why they can have such a considerable impact.
- Focus – When people are focused on the same goal, that goal is much more easily attained. Companies that have a healthy culture, have employees that care about the collective goal and sincerely strive to reach it. Unhealthy cultures can result in cynicism because individuals do not feel connected to the goal. Their goal is to simply make it through the day.
- Cohesion – Healthy culture can bring about strong communication in good and bad times. In a place where there is unhealthy culture people may frequently resent being told what to do because they don’t feel their opinions are listened to or appreciated. When a problem occurs they may avoid pointing it out as they fear backlash.
- Motivation – A inspired workforce gets things done. That might seem apparent, but companies that do not pay attention to the health of their culture may be suffering when it comes to efficiency. Being motivated to work hard is a trait that should be present in every individual in the company if the culture is healthy.
Measuring the Cultural Health of Your Company
You should assess your company’s culture a few times a year. How can you do this? First, consider how your employees are managed. It is true that a few individuals may never be happy but, in general, if the opinion is negative begin thinking about modifications to improve the culture to help your business. Tune in soon for a few tips on making your company culture more positive.
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