Corporate culture and good business go together in many ways. A healthy business culture can make a huge difference in individual and collective success. In 2014, there are a multitude of companies across the country with cultural problems. It is important to note that poor performance, turnover, and absenteeism are key indicators of a challenged cultural environment. Yet some leaders, faced with these challenges, either ignore or sidestep these concerns as just the way they have to do business, even writing off the costs of repeatedly hiring and training new personnel.
Organizational culture, in the simplest of terms, is a set of beliefs, rules, values, and behaviors that define the company as an identity. The savvy job seeker will often research corporate culture from the outside to get a sense of what to know and ask in an interview. Culture is that important.
Many companies, like Southwest Airlines, Disney, SAS, and Google, are known for great cultures and have no trouble recruiting the people and the talent they need to continue their ever increasing success.
Dimensions OHS offers seven important ingredients found within in a healthy culture:
- Plan/ purpose: It all starts with mission and core values. Every employee learns about the culture during on boarding and orientation.
- Communication: Across all departments, open communication drives concepts and suggestions that grow the company. Every idea is accepted and assessed and employees are rewarded for contributions.
- Teamwork: Because good cultures are communication-based, these organizations thrive with group productivity.
- Flexibility: Adaptation and change renew opportunity every day. Solutions engage employees.
- Positive work environment: Organizations are in essence “collection centers” for activities. Healthy Relationships are most important factor for both loyalty and contribution.
- Talented people: Simply stated, good people create and support good organizations. Hiring and training are critical to nurture and grow talent.
- Best practices: Being ahead of the game and being noted for a progressive approach in products and services, builds image and reputation.
If a company or business has a challenged culture, it is critical to look at the history of the organization and its current situation. When assessed together, they often will provide the information needed for both adjustments and opportunity. Survey the employees and ask them for ideas and suggestions. Engaging them in times of change makes the organization stronger and more committed. Put problems in front of the team, ask questions and seek solutions.
Make cultural wellness a key priority in the corporate mission and leadership will soon notice an increasingly positive alignment in behavior, vision, goals, norms and communication. A strong and healthy culture is an investment in everyone’s future.
Dimensions OHS would like to help you achieve your ideal, well workplace. We’ll start by looking at your overall organization through a Cultural Assessment and an Environmental Appraisal. Based on these assessments, we will work with you to enhance your Wellness Culture.
A positive culture matters. Call us today and set up an appointment for your cultural health and wellness.
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Photo: Vlado, freedigitalphotos.net
This blog post on workplace wellness and culture is brought to you by the team of professionals at Dimensions- OHS, Inc. a Certified B-Corp member. Dimensions is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and are dedicated to responsibility, integrity, sustainability and world good.
Dimensions-OHS, Inc.
8374-104 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
Contact us here or call 919 676 2877