What is company culture and why is it important?
When it comes to company culture, a lot of employers are easy to dismiss the importance of a safe, happy and healthy environment if operations look successful from an outside perspective. According to BuiltIn.com, “Company culture can be defined as a set of shared values, goals, attitudes and practices that characterize an organization.” More simply put, company culture is how employees feel about the work they do and the company they work for.
Companies like Twitter have an inviting company culture which includes rooftop meetings, free meals and in-house relaxation activities such as yoga. Most of us aren’t billion-dollar companies that can afford a lavish company culture, but that doesn’t mean we can’t afford a happy company culture. Did you know the average American will spend one third of their life at work? That’s why company culture is so important. For most, work is a second home, and if employees hate their workplace, it will show in their work.
Let’s think of a real-life example: Robert goes to work Monday through Friday at his typical, 9-5 job. Each day, Robert continues his same routine and grows to resent his job and the work he does each day. The office is filled with drama, and Robert needs a break, so he requests vacation time for a long weekend. His company denies the requested vacation because Robert already used his seven days vacation. Robert becomes angry and resents his employer and his work. Robert’s grouchy behavior shows through to his co-workers, and soon, the whole floor is at odds with each other. Bad. Company. Culture.
Now, what could Robert’s employer have done better? For starters, employers need to be as straightforward as possible about vacation time and when it is appropriate for employees to utilize this time. Over 59% of job seekers consider good benefits and compensation as a priority when applying to jobs. Increased vacation time and PTO availability is a key aspect to offer employees to ensure the job position is attractive to current and future employees. Days off from work are important for workers to maintain sanity and clarity in their everyday jobs.
Other key factors employees look for when applying to jobs are work/life balance and employee satisfaction. Employees want to know they can have a job where going home for family dinners or putting their kids to bed is possible— and encouraged. It’s also possible that potential employees will reach out to current employees, or do research to see if people are happy in their positions and their employer. According to EBI, applicants will read six reviews about a company before forming an opinion about them, and 69% of job-seekers won’t accept a job with a company that has a bad reputation.
Company culture is important. As you continue to grow your business, keep in mind the positives of offering competitive benefits and treating employees like they are family.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to retain employees and create a healthy company culture, visit here or call 330-623-6660.
