Senior HR Executive, Leadership Coach and Facilitator.
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There’s no doubt a lot of companies are struggling right now—investors are demanding more of a push for profits, and consumers and clients have never felt more pressure to hold back spending or spend smarter. The biggest questions I get asked as a senior HR leader are "How do we drive performance" and “How do we do more with less and still motivate our workforce?"
When times are tough, one of the first things most companies start to overlook is their culture. They begin to take things away while expecting more, relying on salary/agreement versus the entire employee experience or the little things that keep people going. It’s often because the key decision-makers don’t realize the true impact or value the little things have on their workforce.
Why Culture Matters
Let’s consider why culture was created in the first place. I’m not talking about having Ping-Pong tables and free snacks in the breakroom. While those have certainly served as ways to entertain staff, culture includes factors like how people are treated at your company, what it’s like to work there and how decisions are made. Your culture helps motivate, incentivize and inspire your workforce, and it's a differentiator when attracting talent from your competitors. When done right, it's one of the most effective ways to engage with and retain your people.
It's essential to understand the profound impact culture has on organizational performance and employee engagement. Research has shown that companies recognized for their strong cultures outperformed the S&P 500 by a factor of three to one. Inherently, people will work much harder where they’re learning, growing and being respected and included. Let's look at some examples.
Beyond its disruptive technology and innovative streaming platform, Netflix credits much of its success to its culture. By fostering a culture of freedom and responsibility, where employees are empowered to take risks and challenge conventions, it's become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. The commitment to culture has propelled the company to unprecedented heights, making it a prime example of how a strong cultural foundation can drive extraordinary performance and deliver remarkable results.
The Canadian e-commerce platform Shopify has also gained attention for its company culture. With a focus on autonomy, trust and an entrepreneurial mindset, Shopify empowers employees to take ownership of their work and pursue innovative solutions. This culture of entrepreneurship has contributed to rapid growth and success in the competitive e-commerce market.
Strategies For Improving Culture
Taking a holistic approach to culture is what truly drives performance and fosters a thriving workforce. Here are some approaches you can take to ensure your organization's environment is setting everyone up for success.
• Consider Your Value: Reflect on the unique experiences your organization offers and how they shape the attitudes and behaviors of your workforce.
• Gather Feedback: Conduct regular employee sentiment surveys to gauge workforce morale and identify areas for improvement. HR tech tools can help provide valuable insights into employee perceptions and satisfaction levels.
• Lean On People Leaders: Involve middle managers and team leaders in fostering the right culture. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping day-to-day interactions and reinforcing organizational values.
• Be Open And Honest: Foster a culture of transparency and open communication. Encourage feedback from employees at all levels and actively listen to their suggestions for enhancing the workplace.
These strategies can help you proactively address cultural challenges and cultivate a positive and supportive work environment conducive to employee engagement and organizational success.
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