Every workplace has a set of practices, protocols, and styles of working things out. We term this collectively as workplace culture. 88% of employees believe that a distinct work culture is integral to business success.
Workplace culture is the soul and character of an organisation. It affects how employees feel while they are on-board, and what keeps them constantly motivated on a daily basis. In a sense, it determines how engaged they are in their tasks and interpersonal relations with managers and co-workers.
The office layout, management structure, technology, and staff engagement style, are all crucial components of workplace culture.
Business owners and organisational leaders can gain a significant advantage over the competition, by improving workplace culture, This will help improve employee satisfaction and ultimately, staff retention through reduced turnover rates.
Embracing Work-from-anywhere
This method proves that workplace culture transcends a specific location. Leaders can make their employees feel a sense of belonging to the workplace regardless of where they are.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has made work-from-anywhere, particularly home, a rule rather than an exception. Such arrangements may become an integral part of future workplace cultures.
Companies like Welocalize and Zapier are just two of the successful examples of brands that have embraced a location-agnostic approach to their organisation. Gina Michnowicz, CEO of The Craftsman Agency, a marketing firm, fosters a culture of exploration.
Michnowicz shares, “Our team is full of explorers. Employees need flexibility in their work environment. People establish their work hours upfront so colleagues can know when to expect their team members to be online. They return energized with lots of great stories.”
Practice Flexibility
Employees are constantly seeking flexibility in the workplace. Through flexible schedules and work arrangements, leaders are showing how much they appreciate workers as individuals as much as their individual contributions to the cause of the organisation.
According to Suhail Al-Masri, vice-president of Bayt, the Middle East’s largest job site, “An all cubicle world and strict work environments usually create weakness in a company’s culture, and, not to mention, these elements can actually lower productivity and creativity levels in employees, due to excessive protocols and bureaucratic structures, as well as the monotonous and uninspiring work environment.”
Flexibility is essentially providing workers with the opportunity to shape their own career paths with fewer restrictions. This gives them the freedom to achieve a task or project using the best means and resources that they deem fit for optimal results.
Open Communication Every Day
Open communication is key to getting things done and connecting people, without causing unnecessary conflict through misunderstandings. This can be achieved in various ways.
A coffee bar in the office can encourage workers to spend some time each day mingling and familiarising themselves with each other’s personalities. This enables them to work better together in the long-term.
Leaders should also ensure that they’re always in the loop regarding the major happenings at the workplace. This shows that you care about your staff and are committed to managing a situation. Collaboration tools such as messengers and shared file libraries can facilitate effective communication and teamwork among co-workers without relying on the updates in meetings.
Leaders should also consider keeping their office doors open to foster an approachable and transparent culture, where workers can seek assistance when they need it, without wasting valuable time thinking if they might cause offense or disturbance.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
Sign up for our upcoming StrengthsAsia Showcase Workshop to enjoy a world-class facilitated experience to learn how you can optimise performance with Cliftonstrengths engagement strategies.
A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.