How To Build Culture In A Start-Up Setting
The culture and environment at a company are possibly one of its most important features. In fact, 90% of CEOs say that culture is important at a firm, and 78% say it’s among the top five core values that make a company valuable.
And employees are likely to agree. According to the University of Oxford, when employees are happy at their workplace, they are 13% more productive.
If you’re looking to build a strong culture in your business to improve employee interaction and morale and enhance productivity, here are the resources you need.
Why Do You Want To Build Company Culture?
No two companies are exactly the same, and they shouldn’t be. Company culture is the personality of a business, and it sets it apart from the competition.
Positive company culture not only allows your employees to feel more excited about their workplace, which boosts engagement throughout the workday.
But it also makes them more likely to tell people about the company outside of working hours. It essentially works as free advertising power.
What is negative culture?
Negative company culture accelerates employee turnover and makes your business an overall less-exciting place to be. This will make employees feel less inclined to do their best work, and customers are likely to take note of the poor culture.
The main causes of negative culture include poor internal communication, focus on profit rather than a strong sense of purpose, and lack of empathy. Your employees are human beings, and in order to foster good start-up culture, they need to be treated as such.
You can help avoid negative culture by improving communication among employees, acting as a role model in your workforce, and creating a workplace that emphasizes employee health and wellness.
Define Your Company’s Core Values
One of the best ways to define your company’s culture is to denote clear core values. Company values are a set of guiding fundamentals that can help your teams work toward a common business goal.
Basing your foundations on loyalty, respect, empathy, accountability, or other important values will allow your workforce to strive toward the same end result while simultaneously feeling respected and comfortable.
A Culture Of Learning
Your colleagues aren’t just working at your business to make you more money. It’s important to remember that your employees should be learning and building on their pre-existing strengths every day.
Additionally, when employees learn that continuing learning is available, they’ll recognize that there is always room for growth. Not only will this increase their productivity, but it will also serve as a reminder that mistakes are inevitable and forgivable.
A Culture Of Trust
Trust is the glue that holds a business together, and it’s a two-way street. When your employees feel that they can trust you, you can have more faith in their abilities to exceed expectations.
Having empathy with your employees is one of the best ways to foster trust and acceptance. Give employees adequate time off when necessary, make it clear that you’re there to help them through any problems, and ensure that team members are comfortable sharing information with one another.
Create A Culture Of Acknowledgment
The simple act of acknowledgment, or validating others, can go a long way in start-up culture. The backbone of high-performing and motivated teams revolves around this concept, as it makes employees feel heard and valued.
Additionally, acknowledging each employee’s unique experiences fosters diversity and inclusion, making all employees feel more appreciated in their given role.
Culture Of Celebration
Everyone loves to be applauded for their hard work and giving your employees the credit they deserve is essential for motivation and morale. Treat your employees to company lunches, paycheck bonuses, or other rewards every now and then to remind them that they are valued individuals, not just cogs in a machine.
Plus, company parties strengthen employee engagement and make them want to come to work on a daily basis. This will help to reduce negative behaviors like tardiness or absenteeism.
It doesn’t take much, either. Sometimes, something as simple as buying a birthday cake for an employee is enough to make them feel valued and appreciated beyond belief.
Culture Of Innovation
Innovation is the ability to conceptualize or create, new concepts. Fostering a culture of innovation at your company is essential, as it allows a business to become more successful and profitable.
Allowing your employees to use their creativity and ideas to work towards innovation allows your company to differentiate itself from competitors. Standing out as a driving force in your given sector will only have a positive impact on your profitability, as well as your company’s culture.
Other Ideas To Build A Culture In A Start-Up Setting
Utilizing all of these core values is important for driving a strong company culture in a start-up setting, but the work doesn’t stop there. Here are some other ideas for building an influential community among your colleagues:
Foster good internal communication through contact management.
Evaluate new hires carefully, ensuring that they are a cultural fit
Share your company mission statement during the hiring process or recruitment
Lead by example, modeling behaviors that you wish to see in your work environment
Allow for remote work when appropriate. This gives your employees freedom and agency.
Conclusion
Starting a business is difficult for many reasons, but kickstarting a positive organizational culture doesn’t have to be one of them. You can build a culture in your company by outlining a clear company mission statement, fostering a community of learning and acknowledgment, and celebrating your team as people rather than workers.
When you have a positive corporate culture inside of your company, they’ll be more proud to work with you.
Visit Dialed today to see how our app can help build and strengthen your company culture.
Sources:
The Importance of Workplace Culture | Invista
Happy workers are 13% more productive | University of Oxford
Research: How to Build Trust with Business Partners from Other Cultures | Harvard Business Review
