Creating a Thriving Company Culture Is on You, Leaders – HR Affiliates Blog
As one of the primary decision makers at your company, you have the power to put the pieces into play to ensure your employees are thriving. But how? What are the steps to acquiring a stellar company culture where employees are satisfied and productive?
As Louisville’s experts in all things human resources, we know a thing or 10 about what employees look for and how that drives culture.
So here you go, leaders, here are three of the many things we’ve learned in our 30 years that you can use to put your company on the right track.
Don’t Force It, Finesse It.
The reason most employers can’t figure out how to create a company culture is because, well, you simply can’t “create” it. What you can do is put policies and processes in place that nurture and foster. Things like flexible start and finish times, casual dress Fridays, and the option for paternity leave all let your employees know that you understand their needs and care about their well being.
Hit the “Mute” Button On Yourself.
This one is huge. And unfortunately most leaders think they’re doing it well but they aren’t. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself. Here we go. You have to shut up and listen. Not every once in a while, but often. Not in the I-hear-you-ok-is-it-my-turn-to-talk-again-? way. You have to actively listen. We could go on and on, but we’ve only got so much time here today. So if you’re unsure of what that means just check out this article from Fast Company.
Open Your Contacts App.
Ok, so this is going to seem like a shameless plug, but it’s not. When it comes to creating a vibrant company culture, sometimes asking for help is the best way to get it sorted out. We’re not saying call us (we wouldn’t screen your call if you did, though), we’re saying look around at your network of leaders and see who has done what you want. Louisville’s a tight-knit community. Chances are if you don’t know someone that can give you advice, you know someone who does. Ask him or her to coffee or lunch and see if you can pick his or her brain. In our experience, leaders who “get it” are always ready to share their experience and expertise with others who share the same ethos as them. And they often have the success and failure tips that will save you a ton of time.
There you have it. But we have to be honest with you, this is just the start. There’s a lot more to the culture game and it’s a noble pursuit. It requires commitment and perseverance, but at the end of the day it’s worth it. After all, if employee happiness really does improve productivity by 12%, then you’re going to reap the rewards. And if it doesn’t improve productivity at all then, well, being left with happy employees never hurt anyone.