If you’ve ever read a Glassdoor review or know someone who has, you understand the importance of workplace culture for both employees and potential employees.
If you have it, it turns out you’re not alone. The popular workplace assessment app and website discovered in a recent study that 77% of respondents think about the culture of a company for apply there. This means potential employees are looking to the reviews of past and current employees to get an insider’s perspective on what it feels like to work at the company before they even submit their application.
In a 2021 study, Glassdoor also found that a toxic work culture was one of the biggest motivators for employee resignations.
What exactly is the culture in the workplace?
Workplace culture, like any culture, is the sum of a number of factors that define the nature of the entity. Culture can be defined by a set of values, ethics and beliefs. From a business perspective, this can have a major impact on high-stakes business decisions, right down to day-to-day operations, including the layout of the communal kitchen.
To put this in context, take an example. Popular oat milk brand Oatley shows how they are promoting a culture of friendliness by implementing buddy systems (for new starters) and recording quiz shows between colleagues to get to know each other better. The research shows that this was also implemented remotely during the pandemic.
Wework.com also describes a company’s culture as its personality. It is a crucial part of an organization’s identity.
Workplace culture is mutually beneficial
A positive company culture is crucial for both employees and employers. A number of studies have shown a strong correlation between increased inventory performance and workplace well-being. Ultimately, it is also imperative that employers ensure that their employees function as one in an encouraging work environment long-term determining factor for the success of the company.
A poor work environment for employees can also generate unprecedented media attention and earn the company a notorious reputation. This then forms a new layer for the company’s identity or public persona. Amazon is a good example. An article published in the New York Times examined the (now trillion dollars) corporate culture that encouraged unpaid overtime, unsafe working conditions and competitive cooperation.
So it is becoming increasingly clear that the success of an organization depends on the sum of all its parts, and the well-being of its employees plays a prominent role in that determination. A 2016 IZA World of Labor study found that a increase in employee happiness leads to an increase in productivity. The importance of employee satisfaction is therefore just as important for employers as it is for employees.
Influence of mental health
Employee satisfaction stems from a number of aspects, including the crucial consideration of employee mental health. The World Health Organization recommends an increase workplace mental health training and intervention, On a global scale. It’s not surprising that employers have resources available for mental health care grown since the pandemic.
There are plenty of ways to better understand the importance of mental health for employees. Consider one Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Care if you want to learn more about psychology.
While the importance of a positive workplace culture may not exactly be news, working from home in a post-pandemic world is highlighted important improvements in employee well-being. By maintaining WFH practices since COVID-19 was no longer declared a public health emergency, Employers have listened to the benefits working from home has had on their employees, both in terms of their mental health in the labor market and in terms of the impact on the quality of work being produced. Some of these benefits include better work-life balance, more freedom, and even a reduction in business expenses.
Likewise, it is common knowledge that if you work with people you like, you are more likely to enjoy working for the organization. A 2010 study found that the way people think about their coworkers affects not only their job satisfaction, but also their daily life satisfaction.
In what ways can we promote a positive work environment?
There are many creative ways employers can manifest a positive workplace culture. It’s important to remember that company culture doesn’t exist without people. To promote this positivity, it is crucial that everyone in the workplace is happy from the bottom up.
Create a welcoming environment
While this may be the goal of many managers, it is important that everyone plays his or her role. This includes the clear exclusion of discrimination and personal prejudice, rudeness, bullying, exclusion and counterproductive behavior. However, it is important to be educated and aware of these issues; training on such issues is recommended.
Forming and maintaining relationships
This may include regular (and perhaps not too strictly formal) meetings between managers and their staff and can range from team building events – both formal and informal – such as team competitions and more informal dinners.
Offers an abundance of opportunities for learning, coaching and career development
Give employees the opportunity to expand their skills, with the potential to grow within the company. A 2021 study found there was a lack of career development opportunities are among the top reasons people left their jobs in the US. Encourage company growth so that your employees can grow together.
Supporting work-life balance
As already mentioned, employee mental health and wellbeing have become critical when assessing work-life balance across the board. Many employers offer EAPs, mental health days, access to mental and physical health apps and of course the inclusion of flexible working where possible. Research shows that flexible working options, including working from home, are now one of the biggest benefits people look for when applying for a job. Flexible work options can also mean that employees can choose what hours of the day they can work to suit their lifestyle.
Many studies have highlighted the importance of workplace culture for employees (and employers) and the positive impacts an encouraging workplace can have. The impact of a positive corporate culture on business performance is It is unlikely that this will become apparent in the short term However essential for long-term survival from any company. This mutually beneficial aspect for employers and employees is a crucial part of running a successful business.
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Reference By: www.healthsoothe.com
