People leave their jobs every single day. We’re living in a post-Great Resignation world. I know many have equated that to a shift in the working world around us, but perhaps it’s also because people are becoming more aware of the lack of health in the workplace. More than ever, society doesn’t just want a job that pays the bills; we want a job that values our mental health. Work can be rewarding and exciting or it can be draining and exhausting. Hiring organizations need to create a positive work culture
You may first wonder why you need a positive work culture. The answer is fairly simple.
This kind of culture is what determines whether you have a good organization or a great one. A few of the reasons for needing a positive work culture are attraction, satisfaction, and performance. A healthy culture isn’t just good for those already in the company, but it’s important for attracting future great people. You will attract what you are. Today, when searching for a job, people are also looking for a healthy place to be a part of. When we’re a part of a great culture, we find satisfaction, which produces loyalty. Loyalty is what inspires people to stick with you for a long time. Then they take ownership, which leads to great work performance. Each of these things is fueled by a good work culture.
Here are a few ways (certainly not all) you can create a positive work culture in your organization:
1. Offer Encouragement … Daily!
No one is going to turn down encouragement and positive reinforcement. It feels good and fuels each of us. Both the best and the worst employees in your organization deserve positive motivation. Where there is an uplifting environment, there will be a healthy culture.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey said, “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.” The best work cultures honor the best parts of people by encouraging them to be the best they can be.
2. Focus on Building Relationships within the Team
Where people are known and loved, they will be well connected. Don’t think of your work culture as just business. It’s far more than the tasks that must be completed. Each individual brings a unique perspective to the table, so they must be known as people. Even if it seems like a time-waster at times, always make the time for relationship building and connection. This can be as simple as asking, “How are you really doing today?” The leader needs to know the team, but it’s also important for there to be a space for them to cultivate relationships. Allow space for relationships within the team.
3. Have Fun! And Often!
A team that celebrates together, stays together. There will be many things to celebrate or acknowledge. Don’t miss any of them! Birthdays, work anniversaries, and silly holidays are fun ways to keep things exciting on the team. In addition, create opportunities for team building and connection that is outside of your work. Make things fun. Always! Here are a few practical ideas for you to incorporate fun in your work culture:
- Team lunches
- Birthday celebrations
- Work anniversary celebrations
- Team building games
- Friendly competitions
- Have an office-wide “Spirit Week”
4. Positive Cultures Are Built on Teams, Not Individuals
One mistake we can make in our work environment is to focus on individuals and their accomplishments. While each individual needs to be seen and known as an individual, great work cultures are fueled by collaboration and teamwork. What the team accomplishes together is far greater than the success of an individual. People need a place to be able to offer creative ideas or to think outside of their realm of responsibility. This gives them ownership of the entirety of your team and not just their singular sphere of influence. When each member sees themselves as a part of a unit instead of a siloed individual, you can create a healthy collaborative team culture.
5. Display Servant Leadership
Healthy culture comes from healthy leadership. When the leaders are top-down executives who micromanage their teams, you won’t have a good culture. Leaders who are willing to get into the trenches with their teams and serve them will create a fantastic work environment. While each person helps contribute to work culture, the leader is the one who really sets the tone for everyone. Serve well and they will serve well.
6. Offer Honesty and Feedback
It is incredibly challenging to be in a working environment where you cannot be honest. Some of the best work environments are the ones where you can offer feedback and honesty all the way around. It’s not just something that comes from the top, it can come from every area of the organization. The janitor is just as free to give feedback and honesty as the CEO. This doesn’t mean that every thought offered is implemented or good, but it’s healthy to feel the freedom to speak honestly. Then, when there are problems, team members feel comfortable enough to actually share them instead of dealing with them in unhealthy ways. Honesty and feedback honor everyone on the team.
7. Be Intentional
A positive work culture is created with intentionality. If you don’t actually set out to establish a healthy culture, you won’t have it. It’s not something that just happens on its own, but it is birthed out of the resolve to have it. There is no doubt that we need a healthy and positive work culture. This doesn’t happen without energy and effort and it certainly doesn’t come overnight.
John Maxwell said, “Don’t tell them what you’re going to do – that’s vision. Do what you are going to do – that’s culture.” So, as you’re thinking of the culture you want to create and establish, don’t just write it down. Live it out. Your culture will start with the way the team experiences you as a leader, but your health will produce more health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian employers might ask:
1. How can a company measure the effectiveness of its work culture efforts?
Measuring a work culture involves feedback tools like employee surveys, performance reviews, and turnover rates. Companies can also track engagement metrics, team morale, and productivity to gauge the impact of a positive work culture.
2. What are the long-term benefits of investing in a positive work culture?
Long-term benefits include lower employee turnover, increased productivity, enhanced company reputation, and the ability to attract top talent. Over time, a positive culture can also lead to more innovation and a stronger, cohesive team.
3. How can remote teams build and maintain a positive work culture?
For remote teams, fostering a positive culture requires regular virtual check-ins, clear communication, and intentional team-building activities. Offering virtual social events, recognition programs, and flexibility can help create an inclusive and supportive environment.
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