BUSINESS + TECH
THE IMPORTANCE OF A POSITIVE
COMPANY CULTURE
Thanks to the rapid development of modern tech, working environments are shifting in terms of structure and accelerating with regard to productivity faster than ever before. Today’ s office is a far more inclusive model with a far larger talent pool. One that recognises parents that need to work around the school run; one that recognises that disability doesn’ t equal inability; and one that recognises that a‘ team’ can be comprised of people that live as close to each other as the same town, or as far from one another as the other end of the country.
This is why creating – and maintaining – a positive company culture is so essential. While there is no definitive definition of company culture as it will( and should) evolve over time and is also unique to every organisation, the bones of it are that it should comprise a statement or set of statements that define who you are as a business and what it means to work for you.
How you outline your company culture can be as concise as a list of words and values or as detailed as a lengthy document; either way, what it must do is clearly demonstrate the personality of the company with regard to working environment, mission, values, ethics, expectations and future goals. The clearer and more detailed the document, the less room for misunderstanding – some companies have a team-based culture with participation expected and welcomed from employees at all levels, others still have a more traditional top-down management style, and some, like Google who are known for their casual culture, have very few rules and regulations.
Ask any employee for their honest opinion about how important the culture of the company they work for is to them and you can bet your bottom dollar that it ranks above most, if not all other factors— which of course has a direct effect on the acquisition and retention of talent. Showing off what it’ s like to work for you as a bsuiness from the get-go gives an immediate and true first impression. If your company is all socialise, sit on bean bags and wear neon on Fridays, but a prospective employee is a shrinking violet who gets uptight if she isn’ t planted in a properly supported office chair at all times, you’ re clearly not right for each other and it’ s best to move on amicably before wasting more of anyone’ s time. Likewise, if your culture isn’ t clearly on display to a prospective new employee who may dazzle on paper but isn’ t suited to the personality of the business, they may still end up being hired because neither party has thought to check this massively important compatibility test, which will cost the company both time and money to put right.
When an employee slots in beautifully, the harmony is easy
“ Nurturing a positive company culture is essential; it not only increases staff retention but boosts productivity. Successful longstanding teams are invaluable to a company’ s longterm success as they have already established clear communication, trust and support with each other, both professionally and personally. Truly involve them in decisions and company direction and they will also be your best marketers!”
DUANE BRIDGER, DIRECTOR AT BRIDGER’ S LAW, SITTINGBOURNE www. insidekent. co. uk • 181