What Should a Good Corporate Culture Look Like?
Your company’s culture defines the character and success of everything your organization is working towards. It’s an unwritten code of conduct that dictates how employees interact with each other and how the company is perceived by the outside world.
As our understanding of what a business looks like evolves, having a well-defined and positive corporate culture is now a necessity. But what should a good corporate culture look like?
Why is corporate culture important?
A culture that encourages employees to thrive and feel content will have tangible benefits for your organization, such as:
Increased productivity and innovation: When people feel empowered and supported by their leadership team, they are more likely to take risks, share ideas and push for growth. You never know who might lead the future of your business with a bit of nurturing.
Employee engagement and retention: Employees who feel valued and connected to your mission are more likely to stay engaged and loyal. A positive culture leads to an environment where employees want to work, reducing costly turnover.
Improved brand identity: Internally, culture shapes how employees see their roles, but externally, it shapes how customers, partners, competitors and prospective employees view the company. Companies known for positive cultures build better relationships and maintain strong reputations.
Autocratic leadership is becoming increasingly rare as it makes much more sense to create an atmosphere of collaboration, where employees feel their ideas and opinions are valued and that they are part of something. Successful leaders today should inspire trust, empower employees and lead with accountability. That’s what creates a positive organizational culture.
What does a good corporate culture look like?
International Happiness at Work Week takes place annually in September and campaigns for meaningful and healthy relationships and procedures in the workplace. One of the most profound messages championed by the organization is what happiness at work isn’t. A healthy corporate culture isn’t only created with free coffee, pet-friendly offices and nap rooms – that’s not why people are attracted to apply for a role and stay there - though perks do help. It’s a strategy that requires collaboration and plenty of brainstorming to achieve. It should make you stop and evaluate your business goals and values, ensuring they don’t risk the wellbeing and happiness of your employees. So, how can you achieve that in your organization?
Get great leaders on board
A good corporate culture starts at the top. You should be choosing leaders who model the company's values and vision so they can set the tone for the entire organization. They should be a team of inspirational, transparent and consistent individuals who are ready to lift others up.
Ensure your core values underpin everything
Corporate culture must be anchored by core values that align with the company's mission. These values should guide every decision, from hiring to how teams collaborate. Successful companies embed their values into daily operations, ensuring they are lived, not just spoken.
Be open and transparent
In a healthy workplace, communication must flow both ways. Leaders share goals and business movements, while employees feel safe voicing their ideas and concerns. Transparency, whether about company performance, changes or challenges, builds trust and that is the foundation of a good corporate culture.
Encourage your employees with trust
Autonomy is key to employee satisfaction. When employees are trusted to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they are more motivated. And when they are recognized for their achievements and effort, they’ll feel a sense of belonging.
Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion
A diverse and inclusive workplace has been proven to push creativity, innovation and better decision-making. A good corporate culture values different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. There are some great accessible DEI activities you can introduce to ensure everyone is included and valued.
Make a healthy work-life balance non-negotiable
Companies that prioritize the wellbeing of their employees can avoid mental exhaustion and burnout within the workforce. Whether this is through flexible work policies, mental health resources or simply respecting boundaries, your employees will be much happier and more productive when they know you care about them and not just their output.
Tips for building a good corporate culture from scratch
Building a good corporate culture is not something that is ever truly finished. You must be open to continuous development and innovation, just as you would be for more revenue-driven activities. Here are some actionable steps companies can take:
Assess your current culture
Evaluate the existing culture through employee feedback, surveys and data. Identify areas that could use some improvement.
2. Define your company values
Ensure that company cultural values are clear, meaningful and that they make sense against the organizations wider goals.
3. Hire the right people
Bring in employees who align with your company’s culture. Hiring for cultural fit doesn’t mean sacrificing diversity but finding people who share the same vision and values.
4. Create channels for continuous feedback
Employees should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts on the work environment, and leadership should be ready to listen and make adjustments.
5. Lead by example
You and your leaders must embody the values and behaviors they want to see in their teams. Authenticity and consistency are key.
6. Celebrate successes
Recognize and reward employees who exemplify the company’s values. Celebrating both small and large successes helps reinforce positive behavior and boosts morale.
