Having an established corporate culture is vital in today’s business world. Maintaining this culture is especially important as your business grows. There are countless stories of companies who grew too fast and left their cultures behind, resulting in breakdowns in these companies. Whether your company is a startup or has a decades-long history, you can establish, improve or reinforce your company’s culture.

Company Culture Value

Every one of your employees should understand why their jobs are important to the company. When they feel that their work is valued, they will work harder and strive for success. However, poor culture does not inspire and often leads to turnover or failure to meet company goals. In fact, 47% of workers search for a new job due to bad company culture according to the Hays U.S. What People Want Survey, and up to 71% seek their new job to such an extent that they would take a cut in pay.

Promote Relationships

Your company culture should promote relationships and foster connections. Encourage your employees to develop relationships amongst themselves, and encourage management to get to know their staff members well. Just make sure everyone knows what you expect from them.  

You cannot create this environment alone, so don’t hesitate to hire or designate “ambassadors” who can help you develop the culture you desire. These individuals develop relationships with your employees and share your company values. They promote an environment that increases productivity, creativity, growth and profitability because they focus on your employees’ values and needs while reinforcing your company’s needs and values.

Ask for Feedback

Your employees will tell you how they feel about the company’s environment and culture if you ask. Ask open-ended questions and make sure you use anonymous surveys. Give them the opportunity to participate in developing and expanding your values.

Reward and Recognize Your Employees

If you have employees who especially embody your corporate culture, recognize them publicly. You may even reward their efforts. Although leaders should be ambassadors of culture, you should recognize any employee who stands out, goes above and beyond their typical job duties and exemplifies or spreads your values.

Poor corporate culture can aid in the destruction of a company from the inside out. Therefore, leaders need to manage this aspect of the company carefully. These tips help you establish a culture that will inspire your leaders and employees to do their best work while increasing their loyalty to your company.