What shapes a healthy workplace culture?

Workplace culture is powerful. It can be a significant factor in business success or create an unhealthy environment that drains talent and skillsets. It influences the productivity of the business right down to its core values.

A healthy workplace culture consists of communication, transparency, engagement, opportunities for growth and simply put - good meaningful human connection.

But what is it? …

• It is Respect from all levels and titles, through effective communication and transparency

• It is clear and positive vision and values that aligns and relates to everyone within the organization

• It is enabling people and connecting them to the right opportunities to further enhance their skill sets and fulfil their passion

• It is greeting the janitor the same way you would greet the CEO

• It is a sense of belonging and contribution

Culture is like the wind - it is invisible yet its effect can be seen and felt.

Let’s look at some key factors that contribute to a great workplace culture:

A clear purpose, mission and value statement

In todays workforce, most employees who make a career based decision are now more purpose-driven rather than money-driven. A company’s core values will influence their decision-making before the salary offered.

This is the importance of building a clear and meaningful set of values that is relatable to all levels of the organization and reflects the company’s long term goals and strategic plan. This will allow employees and business partners a clear vision of how their skills will contribute to the bigger picture and to a better future.

Respect – Communication and Transparency

No human being in this world likes to be disrespected. Whether it be at home, at work, in your marriage, in a partnership – anywhere! It only breeds hatred which then creates toxic energy around you and can be felt by those nearest to you. Creating a strong respectful ethnic in any workplace, relationship and/or partnership gives everyone a sense of belonging. Communication and transparency are the pinnacle of feeling valued and supported. It provides a clear vision of where the company is heading and how their voice can contribute to a better workplace.

Opportunities for growth

Wasting someone’s time is the highest form of disrespect. Wasting someone’s skillset is another.

Employees in todays workforce are purpose driven than ever before. They are eager for development, opportunities for growth and to see their way up the corporate ladder within the organization. Allowing employees the opportunity to do so – especially in today’s workforce – will give them a sense of purpose within the organization, a clear vision of what is expected of them and will also cut the cost of employee turnovers and lack of performance.

A sense of community and belonging

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further, go together.

Building engagement and rapport with your employees through effective communication and transparency will increase employee retention and employee referrals. What makes a company an attractive workplace destination? The reputation of being a great place to work. Humans thrive off meaningful connections, encouraging a sense of belonging within the organization will only increase performance and retention, as well as having employees who “want” to be at work rather than “have to” be at work.

Shaping a positive work environment requires leaders who set clear expectation and hold themselves and their team accountable. Although it is the leaders to set expectations, effectively shaping a positive and productive workplace is a duty for all.

Ensuring your company practices and maintains a good and healthy workplace culture, from all levels and titles of the organization, will impact the whole operation and productivity of the business.

 There are many other values that contributes to a good workplace culture, but these are only a few key factors that add to the many, and a good starting point in rechecking your company’s culture, and if it meets with the ever-evolving workforce of today.

If you are seeking assistance in assessing your employee engagement, culture and experience, our experts at NewWay Solutions will be more than happy to work with you. Find out more by contacting us so we can further discuss your situation.