What is Business Culture? [and 5 Ways to Improve Yours]
Introduction
Ask any HR professional what the most important factor in attracting and retaining top talent is, and they’ll likely say “culture.” But what exactly is business culture? It’s more than just having a pool table in the break room or allowing employees to wear jeans to work. Strong business culture is intentionally cultivated and regularly revisited. So let’s take a closer look at business culture and how you can improve yours.
What is Business Culture?
Simply put, business culture refers to the values, attitudes, and behaviours that make up your organisation. It’s the way things are done around here. Every company has a culture, whether it’s one that’s been intentionally created or one that just happens organically.
Culture shapes how employees interact with each other and customers, make decisions, and go about their day-to-day work. A strong business culture can be a competitive advantage, helping you attract and retain top talent, foster innovation, and improve customer satisfaction.
How Can You Improve Your Business Culture?
If you’re unhappy with your current business culture, there’s good news: you can change it! It may sound daunting, but it’s not as difficult as you think. Here are a few steps you can take to get started:
Define your Values
What does your company stand for? What kind of behaviour do you want to encourage? If you’re unsure, now is the time to ask yourself (and your employees) these tough questions. Once you have a good understanding of your values, start living them every day. Model the behaviour you want to see in your employees.
Communicate your Vision
Your employees need to know where the company is going and how their individual roles fit into that picture. When everyone is working towards the same goal, it’s incredible what they can accomplish! Make sure your vision is realistic and achievable, and then create a plan to help everyone understand their role in making it happen.
Encourage Feedback
Invite suggestions from your employees on how you can improve workplace culture. What do they like? What do they dislike? What would make their jobs easier? You may be surprised by what you hear. And making even small changes can have a big impact on employee morale.
Be Intentional
Creating (or changing) a business culture takes time and effort. It won’t happen overnight, so be patient and stay focused on your goals. Remember that culture is constantly evolving. What works today may not work tomorrow, so be prepared to adjust as needed.
In Short
A strong business culture is a powerful asset for any organisation—but only if it’s well-defined and intentional. By taking some time to assess your current business culture and make improvements where needed, you can create a workplace that attracts top talent and fosters innovation among your employees. And isn’t that what we all want?
