One of the hallmarks of a healthy corporate culture is one in which you can share the company’s goals and objectives with the employees, step back and let them do their jobs. In a healthy culture, management does not need to constantly look over employees’ shoulders to make sure those goals and objectives are being accomplished. Allowing employees to keep themselves accountable is the most healthy, productive and positive way to accomplish the company’s strategy.
It is important for all companies, regardless of industry, to develop a strong company vision and supporting values. They can apply to whatever the employees do. A strong company culture helps establish a healthy workforce and productive workplace. Conversely, if the culture message is lacking or not clear, negativity can spread quickly and disrupt the entire flow of the company.
Upper management should be responsible for driving corporate culture. Managers need to connect with their team and reinforce that a particular culture is acceptable and supported. Open communication with the team and gathering their feedback can lead to changes that better align with the values of the company.
Individual responsibility comes into play when employees buy into the culture and the company’s core values. Individuals need to decide if they want to be part of the company’s culture, whether that is aggressive or more laid back. If they cannot adapt to the culture, it will become obvious that they either need to help rebuild that culture, or there is no place for them in the company.
Sometimes this can happen when there is a shift in leadership or when business challenges arise. With the proper culture, however, the staff will join together to help the company recover. What’s important is ensuring the team understands the values and the vision and what is expected from them. They can collaborate, communicate and hold each other accountable.
That still applies whether team members are working in the office or from home. There still needs to be accountability and communication – visual, audio, texting, emailing. There are plenty of ways today to effectively communicate.
Leadership is important in uniting these two ways of working and keeping employees in touch with each other – basically finding the right ways to keep them connected. It is likely this hybrid working style – combining work from home and office – is here to stay. Many companies who utilize it report they have not experienced a drop in performance. The key is engaging the remote side of the business, while maintaining a healthy and positive culture.
Regardless of where they work from, employees need to have an adequate workspace. That will include ensuring they have the proper equipment to work remotely, and they have the right tools for success. Regular meetings in person are valuable to keep everyone connected. There are other strategies to keep employees engaged and promote the company’s culture. The important thing is to ensure the wellness of the employee as well as the culture. The two go hand-in-hand in order to keep the company performing and productive.
Tune in to episode 116 of Bridging the Gap Podcast to learn more about company culture from guests Melissa Lopez and Ryan Shortill.
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