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Writer's pictureSrijea Roy

Creating a Good Work Culture

Updated: Aug 16


A company's success is greatly influenced by its corporate culture. A corporation may recruit and retain top talent with the support of an appropriate organizational culture. Additionally, it may boost worker morale and provide the business with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.


What is company culture?


The common beliefs, attitudes, practices, and norms that characterize a workplace are known as the company culture. It concerns employees' work experiences and how those experiences relate to the company's external brand and marketing.


A company's culture is what shapes its daily operations. Also, staff members who work for companies with strong corporate cultures are enthusiastic, engaged, and dedicated to their jobs. And it includes the leadership group as well as brand-new hires.


This is because a great work culture has well-defined norms. expectations for how work is completed, the significance of the task, and the behavior anticipated of team members. Additionally, the company's mission and fundamental values and how those values and vision manifest in the workplace seem to be in sync.


Type of Organizational Culture


1. Clan Culture

Clan cultures provide a warm and welcoming workplace where connections, morale, involvement, and consensus are valued highly. When it comes to leadership, managers are viewed more as mentors than as authority figures who give directives and punish subordinates.


Online shoe and apparel shop Zappos, is well-known for having a happy workplace culture. The CEO of the firm published a book on it. They most closely resemble the clan culture model as one of their ten fundamental principles is to "build a positive team and family spirit."


2. Adhocracy Culture 

According to Quinn and Cameron, this kind of culture encourages people to take chances and actively explore unconventional ideas, creating a very entrepreneurial work atmosphere. As a result, both the business and its personnel experience a great deal of innovation, learning, and growth.


Google's work culture, played a great role in making the company one of the most well-known tech firms in the world by taking things easy. Since the company focuses on innovation to enhance search and provide new products, it is appropriate to characterize its culture as adhocracy. Facebook is another excellent illustration of an adhocracy culture, even though its "move fast and break things" philosophy has recently had to change in response to growing customer awareness.


3. Market culture

To meet the performance benchmarks that the organization has set, executives must be strong and demanding, and employees must be intensely goal-focused. It may be a stressful workplace, but it can also be satisfying when all of your hard effort yields tangible, quantifiable results. 


Amazon's culture has garnered significant attention because of its unwavering and unforgiving nature. Workers are expected to climb the ladder and produce results regardless of the personal cost; this is something that they have publicly discussed. "Deliver results" is a core leadership philosophy of Amazon. Regarding its values, the corporation states that "leaders focus on the key inputs for their business and deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion." "They rise to the occasion and never settle, even in the face of setbacks."


4. Hierarchy Culture

Workplaces that are more methodical and process-oriented are said to have a hierarchical culture, also referred to as a "control culture." Existing protocols, as opposed to a great deal of creativity and independent thought, determine the majority of actions and decisions.


A significant portion of government agencies will follow a hierarchical culture. Policies and procedures are their top priority since they have to deal with a lot of rules and are frequently scrutinized. They must, in a sense, follow the text. Furthermore, employees' avenues to promotion are delineated explicitly. There is no speculation. 


Why is company culture important?


1. Rise in worker involvement


Great work culture is characterized by purpose and well-defined expectations in the workplace. Employees are encouraged and motivated by this to participate more fully in their professional responsibilities and interpersonal connections. Moreover, it results in a highly engaged workforce, which boosts output.

According to  Harvard Business Review research, a happy work environment fosters a positive culture, which enhances employee commitment, engagement, and performance. Happy employees are not only more contented, but they are also more efficient and contribute to the company's success.


2. Reduction in turnover


Individuals are less likely to quit a firm if they feel appreciated and valued there. Content workers have lower turnover, which helps businesses save time and money throughout the hiring process. Businesses that succeed in developing a strong culture need to take action to preserve and enhance it.

Research done by ALFRA Consulting concluded that a good corporate culture may greatly minimize staff turnover and absenteeism. Employees who feel appreciated, supported, and driven are less likely to leave the organization or miss work. This equates to lower costs for businesses and a more stable workforce.


3. Improved productivity


Overall performance and productivity go up when workers have the means and instruments necessary to succeed. When working on business tasks, people with comparable backgrounds and abilities may collaborate more rapidly.


4. Robust brand identity


An organization's reputation and public image are reflected in its organizational culture. Based on their interactions both within and outside of the organization, people form assumptions about businesses. 


5. Transformational Power


Organizations with a strong organizational culture can turn regular employees into enthusiastic brand ambassadors, something that not all organizations can accomplish. Employers are more likely to observe a shift in staff members when they feel a feeling of achievement when they acknowledge their efforts and celebrate team accomplishments.


6. Excellent workers


Employers who foster a sense of community among their staff members are more likely to keep their finest workers. Organizational culture creates a high-performance culture that supports employees' work and enhances their overall experience working for the organization.


7. Efficient induction


Effective onboarding procedures are essential for businesses with an organizational culture to teach new employees. This encourages staff longevity and loyalty and lessens the dissatisfaction that some workers feel when they lack the knowledge necessary to do their jobs effectively. 


8. Positive team atmosphere


Decision-making is guided and procedures are enhanced by organizational culture. It also aids teams in overcoming ambiguity-related obstacles. People can collaborate with purpose when a defined organizational culture unites workers and supports well-organized work structures.


How company culture impacts employees


1. Effect on Worker Performance


When a culture is robust, workers feel appreciated. Rather than feeling helpless, they take pleasure in having at least some influence over their professions. Employees who feel appreciated and have decision-making authority perform better, whether it's by working from home, selecting their projects, or taking on a new position.


Strong corporate cultures can provide employees with growth chances. Enhancing performance may be achieved by keeping staff engaged through the provision of promotions, career growth opportunities, or further training. When everyone is working for the same goals, they will all go above and beyond to accomplish them.


2. Impact on Employee Happiness


A great work culture may guarantee that staff members stay content in their roles and committed to the firm. Individuals are far more likely to join (and remain) in a firm with a culture that values work-life balance, flexibility, and employee growth.

According to Forbes, a positive workplace culture stresses employee well-being by fostering a friendly and courteous atmosphere. This can result in lower stress levels, improved mental and physical health, and higher overall employee satisfaction.


3. Effects on Engagement of Employees


Communication: When workers feel heard, they don't harbor the animosity that might result in turnover, low morale, and dismissal. Increased involvement, inventiveness, and originality are other benefits of a communicative workplace environment.


Safety: is a top priority for companies that respect their workforce. As a result, workers develop a culture of safety and become more conscientious and involved in their work.


Collaboration: Collaborative businesses encourage independence, cooperation, and decision-making as opposed to an "us vs. them" mentality. Workers are put in jobs where they can thrive, given chances to contribute, and provided with the opportunity to form deep connections with supervisors and fellow employees.


Growth: Organizational cultures that support staff members' personal and professional development provide them with goals to strive for. These cultures keep things lively and intriguing while preventing boredom and career stagnation.


Employees may feel valued and invigorated or underappreciated and disgruntled after being hired, taught, and acclimated to the job. Employees are more involved, excited, and engaged when they feel appreciated.


What does a healthy company culture look like?


1. Low Employee Turnover and High Employee Retention


When workers feel valued for their work, have chances to advance their careers, and take pleasure in their work, they are more likely to stick around.


2. Work Is Intriguing and Challenging


Employees who find their jobs fulfilling and challenging are motivated to improve because they care about one another and the outcomes they are striving to achieve.


3. People Are Inquiring About Joining Your Group


High-growth businesses frequently have trouble finding top personnel that suit their needs quickly enough to meet ambitious goals. Companies that have a positive culture and a well-aligned employee value proposition find it simpler to attract top personnel.


4. Shared Leadership


Leaders actively include more people in making critical choices in companies with strong work culture in India. These leaders do not feel intimidated by criticism, suggestions, or other people's achievements, in contrast to those in unhealthy environments. Continuous learning and employee input are highly valued.


5. There isn't any finger-pointing, whining, gossiping, or complaining


Workplace politics are rarely tolerated in healthy business environments. There isn't any "behind-the-scenes" backchanneling; instead, problems are resolved honestly, directly, and without concern about the consequences.


6. Workers Experience Value


When leaders are dedicated to creating a positive work environment, pay fairness, and investments are made to enhance employees' performance, workers perceive themselves as the organization's most valuable asset.


7. Most of the time, change is well-designed and welcomed


Organizational change does not arouse the same anxiety in a good work environment as it does in other settings. Workers are solicited for feedback on changes that impact their jobs, are informed in advance, have faith in their leaders, and comprehend the reasons behind changes occurring in the workplace.


Steps to develop a company culture


Describe the company's mission and core principles. What makes it special? What are its objectives?


  • Find out what the workers think about the existing culture by asking them.

  • Make a vision and mission statement that explains the goals and objectives of the firm.

  • Create a plan: How will the new culture be implemented?

  • Provide employees the chance to grow: Assist them in advancing their careers and skill sets.

  • Clearly state what is expected of staff for them to represent the culture.

  • Acknowledge good work from staff members and express gratitude for their contributions.

  • Employers should look for candidates who will fit in well with the work culture in India.

  • Promote culture consistently by reiterating the company's principles and objectives.


How to improve company culture


1. Make the Strategic Initiative of Building a Positive Culture


Participation in Leadership: Obtain support from executives and CEOs. By exhibiting the appropriate attitudes and actions, they need to set the tone for the culture.


Describe Your Cultural Background: Determine the distinctive qualities of your business and the attitudes you wish to promote. What type of atmosphere would you like to establish at work?


Create a plan of action: Make a plan for putting the new culture into practice. This might entail adjustments to procedures, methods of communication, and programs for staff involvement.


2. Share Your Excitement


Onboarding: To assist new hires grasp the culture right away, and incorporate the company's mission and values into the onboarding process.


Overall in the company Interaction: Maintain open lines of communication with staff members on corporate objectives, developments, and cultural initiatives.


Promote Company Values: Throughout the year, use campaigns, events, and recognition initiatives to reaffirm the company's mission and core values.


3. Create a Culture of Feedback


Encourage managers and staff to communicate honestly and openly in both directions.


Employee Surveys: Conduct surveys regularly to find out how satisfied employees are and what needs to be improved.


Programs for Employee Recognition: Honor and commend staff members who embody the company's principles and make valuable contributions to the good organizational culture.


Action on Feedback: Show that you appreciate the opinions of your staff by acting on their ideas and informing them of any adjustments that have been made.


4. Establish a Robust Team Culture


Team Building Activities: Plan gatherings and exercises that promote staff cooperation, dialogue, and interpersonal development.


Social Events: To promote a feeling of community and belonging, host happy hours, team lunches, or trips in person or virtually.


Acknowledgment of Teamwork: Highlight the significance of cooperation by celebrating the accomplishments and victories of the team.


5. Assess Your Development


  • Monitor important metrics To gauge the success of good organizational culture efforts, use surveys, attendance records from events, absenteeism and turnover statistics from HR, and employee attitude data.

  • Net Promoter Score for Employees (eNPS): Employee loyalty and propensity to suggest the firm as a place to work are measured by this indicator.

  • Key Performance Indicators for Business: Keep track of how adjustments made to the good organizational culture impact key performance indicators including customer happiness, sales, and productivity.

  • Frequent Evaluations: To guarantee continued progress, evaluate your culture initiatives regularly and make any adjustments to your tactics.


Business Culture Examples 


According to the ‘Great Companies to Work For’ 2023 survey by Economic Times, the best work culture in India.


Ranking

Company

Headquarters

Industry

Team Size

1

Hilton

Gurgaon

Hospitality

3119

2

Cisco Systems India Private Limited

Bengaluru

Information Technology

14832

3

REA India Pte. Limited (Housing, PropTiger and Makaan)

Gurgaon

Other

1565

4

Salesforce

Bengaluru

Information Technology

8229

5

Synchrony International Services Private Limited

Hyderabad

Financial Services & Insurance

4165

6

Aye Finance Private Limited

Gurgaon

Financial Services & Insurance

5470

7

DHL Express India Private Limited

Mumbai

Transportation

3095

8

Atlassian India LLP

Bengaluru

Information Technology

1597

9

ISS Facility Services India Private Limited

Mumbai

Professional Services

44276

10

HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited

Mumbai

Financial Services & Insurance

28510



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