If success is the goal for your small or medium-sized business, then you need to create a positive company culture. Company culture is your organization’s values, beliefs, and personality; it’s the feeling you want your clients to associate with your business. A positive company culture shouldn’t be left to develop on its own or be left to chance; it should be done with purpose and intent.
A positive company culture will ensure that you’re able to recruit the best staff and retain them. Happy employees have a higher job satisfaction, are more likely to work collaboratively, experience less stress, and take less time off – all of which contribute to the overall wellbeing of the business.
Those who find meaning in their careers and are excited to go to work because they feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be loyal and work hard. Happy employees are also great ambassadors, showing customers or potential clients a genuine enthusiasm about the product or service offered, as well as the company itself.
There are measures that small to medium-sized business owners can take to increase employee happiness. While it would be wonderful to run your company like Silicon Valley tech giants that provide employees with onsite gyms, free food, games, and other amazing benefits, there are still things you can do to ensure a positive company culture.
Compensation
Not everyone can make amazing money, but every staff member can be fairly compensated in both base salary and goals reached. Compensation doesn’t just mean money, but also benefits and vacation time. Offer a good benefits package to your employees, provide RRSP matching, allow flexible work hours, and increase the amount of vacation time offered.
Trust Your Employees
You’ve hired someone to do a job, and now you need to trust that person is going to do it. Avoid micromanaging at all costs – most employees work better when they can take ownership of a task without constant supervision and suggestions on how their boss – i.e. you – would do it better.
Be a Mentor
While there needs to be a line between employee and supervisor, that line shouldn’t be so severe that employees are stressed when they’re called into your office. Open-door policies ensure employees can talk to you about problems or concerns without fear of reprisal. When offering feedback – good or bad – make it constructive to help them learn and grow.
Don’t Play Favourites
While some people work better with one personality over another, it’s important for a positive company culture to not show favouritism. When one person is given special treatment, it creates resentment, which typically leads to a toxic work environment.
Work as a Team
Many companies and business leaders proclaim the importance of collaboration and teamwork, but few actually seem to deliver. As a business owner, encourage collaboration by giving credit where it’s due, and pass along compliments to the entire team. Host team-building activities so staff can learn a bit more about each other.
Encourage Professional Development
If you want your employees to keep learning and growing, encourage professional development either through training done through your organization or by providing funding for staff to take courses during work time or after hours to better themselves and broaden their skills. It’s your company that will ultimately benefit.
By making employees feel valued and appreciated, you’ll create a positive company culture and a successful business.
Lisa Day | Contributing Writer
