“Culture is not an initiative. Culture is the enabler of all initiatives.” — Larry Senn

A poor company culture poses serious risks to an organization, fostering disengagement, high turnover rates, and a toxic work environment. It can erode employee morale, hinder productivity, and tarnish the company's reputation, leading to difficulties attracting top talent and maintaining positive relationships with clients and customers.

When businesses fail to evaluate their company culture and look for opportunities to make improvements, they harm their ability to stand out among competitors and reach their full potential. By contrast, companies that proactively manage culture show revenue growth over a 10-year period that is, on average, 516% higher than those who do not.¹

What is Company Culture?

Company culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization. It is the collective personality of a company and encompasses the way employees interact with each other, as well as with customers, clients, and other stakeholders. Company culture influences the work environment, decision-making processes, and the overall identity of the organization.

The Importance of a Positive Company Culture

A 2018 Workhuman survey found that only one in four U.S. employees feels strongly connected to their company’s culture. This leaves a lot of opportunity for companies to establish a competitive advantage by working on their culture.

A vibrant company culture serves as the heartbeat of a successful business, impacting various facets of its operations. Firstly, it sparks a powerful cycle of employee engagement and customer satisfaction. When employees resonate with the company's values and mission, their motivation soars, translating into higher productivity and exceptional service that cultivates customer loyalty. Furthermore, a positive culture becomes a talent magnet, attracting top-tier professionals who seek workplaces aligned with their values. This not only fortifies the company's talent pool but also reduces the financial toll of frequent turnover.

In a healthy work environment, employees are generally more focused, creative, and collaborative. A positive culture promotes a sense of purpose and encourages employees to give their best, ultimately leading to increased productivity. In addition, when a culture embraces open communication, companies benefit from increased innovation. Employees are more likely to come forward with new ideas and solutions when they are encouraged to collaborate, making the company more adaptable in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Prioritizing employee well-being, from work-life balance to mental health, contributes to a content and resilient workforce, curbing burnout and absenteeism. This culture echoes in the company's brand image, enhancing its reputation and attracting customers who resonate with its values.

A strong culture promotes transparent and effective communication, fostering a cohesive and unified workforce. A positive work environment also acts as a moral compass, guiding decisions and behaviors and ensuring legal and ethical compliance. In essence, a positive company culture is a transformative force, shaping not only the internal dynamics of an organization but also influencing its external perception and long-term success.

Why Use Company Culture Assessments?

Taking the time to measure and improve company culture is an investment in the well-being of employees, organizational effectiveness, and long-term success. Here are the top 10 reasons companies should assess and work to improve company culture:

1. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses. Assessments provide a structured way to evaluate the existing company culture, helping to identify both strengths that should be preserved and weaknesses that need improvement.

2. Employee Engagement. Assessments gauge the level of employee engagement within the organization. Understanding employee sentiments and satisfaction is key to fostering a positive work environment.

3. Talent Acquisition and Retention. A positive culture is a magnet for top talent. Assessments help organizations understand their current cultural landscape, allowing them to attract and retain skilled employees who align with the company's values.

4. Strategic Alignment. Assessments ensure that the company culture aligns with the organization's strategic goals. This alignment is essential for achieving long-term success and preventing cultural drift.

5. Enhancing Communication. Assessments shed light on communication patterns within the company. This insight helps organizations address communication gaps and foster transparent and effective channels for sharing information.

6. Innovation and Adaptability. Companies need to be innovative and adaptable in a constantly evolving business landscape. Assessments help identify areas where a culture of innovation can be encouraged, fostering adaptability and resilience.

7. Employee Well-being. Assessments provide insights into the well-being of employees. Understanding factors affecting work-life balance, stress levels, and overall satisfaction allows organizations to implement measures that support employee health and happiness.

8. Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. Assessments help organizations evaluate their inclusivity and diversity efforts. This is crucial for creating a workplace where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and included.

9. Brand Image and Reputation. Assessments provide a snapshot of the company's current cultural state, influencing its brand image. A positive culture enhances the organization's reputation both internally and externally.

10. Continuous Improvement. Regular assessments create a culture of continuous improvement. Organizations can use the findings to implement targeted initiatives, ensuring that the company culture remains dynamic, adaptive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce and business landscape.

We Can Help Improve Your Company's Culture

Our expert consultants can help improve company culture. We start with formal assessments to measure how your employees feel about the workplace they work in:

•  The Employee Passion Survey measures the degree to which the needs that ignite passion among employees are being satisfied.

    ø  The Passion Pyramid™ provides insight into the Employee Passion Survey. It focuses on individual employees' needs and motivations.

• The Values that Build Trust (VBT) survey measures employees' perceptions of their organization's trustworthiness. 

•   Everything DiSC Assessments provide insights into each employee’s primary behavioral style and can be used as a long-term tool to help improve company culture.

Collaborate with The Heffelfinger Company, Inc..

Collaborate with The Heffelfinger Company team to create a new business playbook, via which we champion you in creating a transformative company culture. Our experienced consultants collaborate closely with you to identify strengths and areas for improvement, implementing strategies that align with your values and objectives. Our tailored approach involves comprehensive services to assess, refine, and cultivate a positive work environment through assessments, training programs, and ongoing support. Leveraging our expertise, we provide the tools you need to create a thriving company culture that positively impacts employee satisfaction, talent retention, and overall organizational success. Contact us to get started!

Warmly,

James & Lori

James Jackman & Lori Heffelfinger

Source:

1. Kotter, John and Heskett, James, Study on Corporate Culture and Performance, 2011.