THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS

Manilka Ediriweera observes that a robust workplace culture works wonders

The world of business is in a constant state of flux. Companies operating in this dynamic business arena have to navigate myriad challenges ranging from technological advancements to fierce competition and economic downturns.

In this corporate landscape that has become a battlefield, standing out positively is important to achieve success. One way of doing this is by cultivating a robust workplace culture. Think of it as a secret weapon you can use to weather any storm and gain a competitive edge.

The thing about workplace culture is the effect it has on employees.

A positive one can shape their work habits and interaction with the organisation; it’s that feeling you get when you step into a room and instantly realise you’re part of something bigger than yourself. That is what a strong work culture evokes in employees.

Moreover, a positive workplace culture benefits both the company and its employees.

This is because it’s akin to a supportive community where workers feel valued, respected and motivated to do their best – day in and day out. In turn, this helps in attracting and retaining top talent, and boosting productivity and profitability. In contrast, a toxic work culture can have drastic effects.

So what is workplace culture?

At a fundamental level, workplace culture can be defined as how things are done in an organisation. It encompasses shared values, beliefs and behaviour. However, the concept of workplace culture goes beyond this fundamental understanding.

It is not simply about casual Fridays and pool tables in the office. Workplace culture is the fabric that weaves together an organisation’s purpose, strategy, employee and customer experience, and brand.

In other words, it is the soul of the company.

As previously mentioned, a strong workplace culture can impact employees profoundly, and shape their attitudes and behaviour while contributing to the organisation’s success.

A positive workplace culture is focussed on employee wellbeing, and motivating workers to be more engaged and involved in what they do. This can lead to a boost not only in productivity but also innovation.

When employees are happy, there is a greater likelihood and reason for them to stay with the company. This reduces turnover rates, and helps the business save money on recruitment and training expenses.

Moreover, workers who feel valued, supported and happy are more likely to go the extra mile. This contributes to higher employee loyalty, and customer satisfaction and loyalty, which ultimately helps increase the organisation’s bottom line.

And this naturally brings us to the next question of how a strong workplace culture can be cultivated. The truth is that creating a positive and supportive workplace culture isn’t easy. It takes time and effort but regardless of that, it’s well worth the investment.

Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong workplace culture. Leaders are the captains who are steering the ship towards positive change. It’s safe to say that workplace culture begins with them, and what they say and do.

As such, leaders need to be authentic and genuinely care about their employees. This can make a world of difference because people want to be seen, valued and heard without feeling like another cog in the corporate machine.

Recognition is another key component. It’s not always about awards or tangible rewards but the simple acknowledgement of the contribution made by employees that matters. Recognising and appreciating their efforts will boost their self-worth and belief in their abilities.

When creating a strong workplace culture, it is also important to play the long game. Always think in the long term without settling for quick fix solutions.

Define your core values, and communicate them clearly and consistently to all employees. Align decision making with these values, and set an example by demonstrating the values and characteristics you want to see in your workforce.

The bottom line is that workplace culture is key to organisational success. In other words, it’s not a mere buzzword but the foundation for corporate success. What’s more, it shapes how employees work and interact with the company, and sets it apart from the rest.

Furthermore, since happy employees translate into happy customers, it also means that customers are more likely to have positive interactions with your business. This is very important in today’s marketplace where customers play a central role in determining the success or failure of a brand.

Therefore, a strong workplace culture is a necessity because it’s the soul of the company, which can set you apart and propel you towards success. It is a must-have, and needs to be enhanced and nurtured for long-term profitability.