“Until I came to IBM, I probably would have told you that culture was just one among several important elements in any organization's makeup and success — along with vision, strategy, marketing, financials, and the like... I came to see, in my time at IBM, that culture isn't just one aspect of the game, it is the game. In the end, an organization is nothing more than the collective capacity of its people to create value.”
— Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Former CEO of IBM
No organization is immune to the sweeping global changes we're witnessing: digitalization, shifting market and workforce dynamics, pandemics, supply chain shortages, and market chaos. Adaptability is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for survival.
Company culture is talked about a lot these days. But it's more than just a trend—it's crucial for a company's success. Studies show that having a positive and engaging workplace environment is really important. If you want your business to achieve its long-term goals, youneed to understand how company culture can help increase productivity, grow revenue, and keep employees happy and loyal.
Gartner reports that 93% of CEOs aim to change their culture “in some way”, but where do leaders start? How can organizations be truly prepared for what's next? What worked a year or even a few months ago may no longer be effective, leaving many businesses at risk of losing their competitive edge.
Why Company Culture is a Business Imperative
Company culture significantly impacts business outcomes by fostering employee engagement, productivity, and retention, which reduces turnover costs and ensures a stable workforce. A positive culture encourages innovation and creativity, leading to competitive advantages through new ideas and improved processes. It also enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, as engaged employees provide better service. A strong
company culture promotes collaboration and teamwork, improving problem-solving and project outcomes. Additionally, it equips organizations to handle change and adversity, ultimately driving better financial performance and sustainable growth.
According to Forbes Councils Member Justin Goodbread, “Satisfied employees are more productive, and a positive work culture attracts and retains high-caliber talent, ultimately leading to increased revenue. Conversely, neglecting company culture can result in disengaged team members and attrition rates, leading to significant financial losses.”
Creating an Action Plan for Improving Company Culture
After an organization has thoroughly assessed its company culture and identified the gaps between its current state and desired future, the next crucial step is to develop a comprehensive road map. This road map should outline specific, actionable steps to bridge those gaps and build on the strengths to align the company culture with the organization's goals and values. It involves setting clear objectives, defining key performance indicators, and assigning responsibilities to ensure accountability. Additionally, the road map should outline the timelines for implementation and regular check-ins to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. By taking these structured and strategic steps, organizations can effectively transform their culture, fostering a more 0engaged, motivated, and cohesive workforce.
Our consultants specialize in guiding organizations through the development and implementation of road maps for transformative cultural change. Leveraging our expertise, we work closely with leadership teams to craft tailored strategies that address specific cultural gaps and align with the company’s vision and values. By providing ongoing support and insights, our consultants ensure that every step of the map is executed effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable growth. Through this collaborative approach, organizations can achieve meaningful, lasting cultural transformations that drive employee engagement and organizational success.
Tools for Transforming Company Culture
There are a variety of tools available to organizations to work on company culture effectively:
Road Map: A comprehensive visual matrix tool to lay out the work to enhance the strengths, improve on the gaps in each identified cultural importance to the organization.
Employee Surveys and Feedback Tools: Tools like SurveyMonkey, Culture Amp, and Qualtrics allow organizations to gather insights and feedback directly from employees about their experiences and perceptions of the company culture as changes are employed.
Performance Management Software: Platforms like 15Five, Lattice, and BambooHR facilitate continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance reviews, promoting a culture of transparency and growth.
Collaboration and Communication Tools: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom enhance communication and collaboration, fostering a sense of community and connection among employees.
Recognition and Rewards Programs: Software such as Bonusly, Kudos, and Achievers help recognize and reward employees' contributions, reinforcing positive behaviors and enhancing engagement.
Learning and Development Platforms: Systems like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy for Business support continuous learning and skill development, promoting a culture of growth and improvement.
Diversity and Inclusion Tools: Platforms such as Emtrain, Inclusion Analytics, and Diversio help organizations assess and improve their diversity and inclusion efforts, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Employee Wellness Programs: Tools like Headspace for Work, Wellable, and Limeade provide resources for mental health, physical wellness, and overall employee well-being, supporting a healthy and productive work environment.
By leveraging these tools, organizations can actively shape and enhance their company culture, leading to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall success.
Create Agile Organizations through Strategy and Culture
Don’t let the future catch you unprepared—partner with us to transform your culture challenges into opportunities. Embrace a new strategy and business direction to navigate today’s market complexities, and unleash the power of disruption to reinvent your organization with our expert
guidance.
We employ our cultural assessment tools and methodologies to clearly understand your current culture, identify the culture you are striving for, reveal gaps between where you are and where you want to be, develop a roadmap for you to follow to begin to realize your ideal future-state culture. Our expert consultants use a variety of assessment tools and strategies, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, or validated assessments around culture, alignment, and/or employee passion.
We will help you write a new playbook for your organization—one that champions leaders in fostering transformative strategies, culture, leadership, and teams. Book a free 20-minute assessment now to start your journey toward a more resilient and dynamic organization.
Warmly,
James & Lori
James Jackman & Lori Heffelfinger
Source:
Justin Goodbread. Building A Company Culture To Drive Success. 9/14/2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/09/14/building-a-company-culture-to-drive-success#:~:text=Satisfied%20employees%20are%20more%20productive,leading%20to%20significant%20financial%20losses. Accessed 6/14/2024.
