Creating a Thriving Company Culture in 2023

When was the last time you heard an employee (voluntarily) compliment your company’s culture? We all know that people are quicker to criticise than to share a good review, but with employee satisfaction at a mere 57% across Asia Pacific, with one in five intending to switch to a new employer according to a survey by PWC, employees in the region appear to be generally disengaged and unhappy.  

A positive company culture is important for the success of any organization. Culture can improve employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as help attract and retain top talent. Company culture refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape an organization. It is not something you can build overnight, and it takes a strong belief from the top-down to encourage staff to be their best selves in a thriving culture. 

We may be taking a simplistic approach here, but everyone needs to start somewhere. Here are some quick tips for kickstarting and fostering a good company culture: 

1. Define your company values 

Clearly communicating your company values and expectations can help guide the behavior and decision-making of your employees. Consider what is important to your organization and how you want your employees to behave. 

2. Encourage open communication 

Create an open and inclusive work environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and open-door policies. 

3. Show appreciation 

Recognizing and valuing the contributions of your employees can help to build a positive and supportive work culture. Consider implementing a rewards or recognition program to show your appreciation. 

4. Foster a sense of belonging 

Creating a sense of community within your organization can help employees feel connected and engaged. Consider organizing team-building activities or social events to bring employees together. 

5. Promote work-life balance 

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules, to help employees better manage their work and personal lives. 

6. Lead by example 

As a leader, your actions and behavior can set the tone for the entire organization. Be a role model by demonstrating your company's values and expectations in your own behavior. People know if you’re being authentic or otherwise, and it only takes one passive aggressive email to break any trust between two colleagues. 

As they say, a rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel. It can take just one negative hire to bring down the environment, and therefore impact the culture, of an entire organisation. Similarly, look to promote people who not only perform well, but embody the culture you want people to look up to and emulate. If people see bad behaviour being rewarded, they will be driven to behave in those same ways. It also helps to hire for culture, considering the candidates’ personality fit along with their skills and experiences. That investment is likely to pay off in the long run.   

Culture is not something you will always get right, as people and business can be unpredictable, but consistency is key. Commit to the values you want in your business, invest in your team, and aim to learn and grow together towards common goals.