HR Management, HR Strategy, Organizational Culture
A Recipe for Great Company Culture
It’s the Christmas season, and that means that I’m baking even more than usual. Our marketing team asked for a blog to encourage great organizational culture this month, so while I worked on a batch of cookies this evening, it got me thinking how creating a positive company culture is a lot like making the perfect batch of cookies – it takes the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and maybe a little bit of a magic touch. As the Resources for all the Humans, we are the bakers of the organization, mixing up a culture that keeps everyone energized, motivated, productive, and happy to support their colleagues and managers. So, grab a glass of milk, and let’s think about this recipe for a thriving workplace culture.
- Start with a Good Recipe: Mission, Vision, and Values
Think of your company’s values and mission as the recipe. Without an inspired and tested recipe, your cookies – and your culture — will be dull and unremarkable. Clearly define and communicate your company’s core values and mission. Make sure everyone knows them and can communicate them and, most of all, make their decisions based on them.
- Blend in Some Transparency
Transparency is the butter that brings out the flavor in your cookies, and keeps communication flowing, open, and honest. Let your employee know the organization’s goals, what’s going well, what’s not, and what plans are for the future. Employees appreciate knowing what’s going on, and it builds trust. (Only mushrooms are grown in the dark, and I’ve yet to see a cookie recipe with mushrooms. And if I did, I wouldn’t eat it.).
- Add a Spoonful of Recognition
Everyone loves chocolate chips in their cookies, and employees love recognition. Celebrate achievements, big and small. Whether it’s a shout-out in a meeting, a thank-you note, or a gift, recognition goes a long way in boosting morale. However, make sure that is a good quality chocolate — if you know, you know. I’m not saying that there is never a time for a team pizza lunch— I’m just saying that most of the time is not the time for a team pizza lunch.
- Stir in Some Fun
A positive culture isn’t all work and no play. Find the time for some team-building activities, office parties, or a cookie bake-off. Laughter and fun create bonds and make the workplace more enjoyable. When you do this, make sure that the entire team has the opportunity to participate, even if you have to schedule the event in groups. It’s no good to celebrate a team building event but some folks must stay behind to keep the lights on. Also make sure that goals and schedules are adjusted so that the team can really enjoy the time, and not feel the burden of having to make up work after hours just so they can have some team fun.
- Pour in Development Opportunities
Investing in your employees’ growth is like dipping that chocolate chip cookie in a glass of milk. Offer training programs, workshops, and opportunities for advancement that you can clearly define. If you have a fairly flat organization without a defined “ladder” to climb, let employees know what other skills they can learn across the organization, or how they can expand their current role with more experience. When employees see a path for growth, they’re more likely to stick around and contribute positively to the company culture.
- Top It Off with Work-Life Harmony
Finally, the sprinkles on top of that culture cookie is work-life harmony. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation days, and maintain a healthy work-life harmony. A well-rested employee is a happy and productive one. Plus, it reduces the risk of burnout – and nobody wants a burnt cookie as part of their culture.
- Serve it all with a Smile
As owners and managers, your attitude sets the tone. Approach your role with positivity and a sense of humor. Be approachable, supportive, offer encouragement, and empathy. Moods are contagious, and as leaders the temperature you set in the organization affects everyone. A great company culture can’t come begrudgingly from leadership – it must be heartfelt and true.
Just like perfecting your very best cookie recipe, creating your unique organizational culture is going to take time and practice. Even once you get a great recipe, there is always room for improvement. Culture requires attention, care, and a willingness to adapt. By keeping focus on your values, transparency, recognition, fun, development, and work-life harmony, you can bake up a culture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
So, for 2025, here’s looking forward to a workplace that is as sweet and delightful as your favorite Christmas treat – cheers!
December 19, 2024
Paula Agee, SPHR, SHRM-CP, VP of Human Resources and Chief People Officer