The success of the business is usually measured by its revenue and profit. However, achieving these goals will also depend on factors like productivity levels and employee satisfaction which are influenced by the company’s culture. To understand culture, we should not confuse it with other business benefits. Horowitz defines culture as three things:
- The behavior of everyone in the organization.
- What people do when they are not being directed.
- The way the businesses are doing things.
Therefore, culture actually reflects the work environment and leadership style of the company. Below given are the Example of a solid company culture in software development.
Culture Defines an Identity of the Company
Company culture will shape the values, behaviors, and goals of a business. It will guide how employees and managers interact. It is reflected in various aspects like business hours, hiring, remote work, and customer relations. This culture will influence how the company is perceived internally and externally. Internal identity simply means that how teams will see themselves and it will further affect how they approach challenges.
Lifelong learners might embrace new methods while problem solvers might innovate old ones. All of these are shaped by company culture. Understanding this identity will help you to communicate effectively and develop a unique story and goals. It is crucial to create a culture that will suit your company instead of blindly copying others. Your identity should be uniquely yours.
Healthy Culture Draws Candidates
A healthy company culture has a huge advantage. It will attract potential employees. People are usually more interested in working for businesses that are known for their supportive environments and where they can freely explore their ideas. On the other hand, a critical and restrictive atmosphere will push candidates away. Recent surveys show that more job seekers are prioritizing culture, sometimes even accepting lower pay for a better cultural fit. So it is important to have a strong company culture to attract talent.
Culture Helps in the Onboarding Process
Culture does more than attract potential employees. It will also help with onboarding new hires. During onboarding, you will introduce new employees to your organization’s values and goals through orientation and training. Stanford professor Charles O’Reilly emphasizes that culture represents a company’s norms and employees need to see if they can adapt to these practices.
Introducing these norms during onboarding will help new employees understand and adopt company values from the start. This reciprocal relationship simply means that the company needs to fit the employee as much as the employee fits the company. Highlighting your culture during onboarding will help make a positive first impression by showing new hires that your company has a clear vision.
Healthy Teams Make Better Products
A healthy company culture will often lead to a healthy team which can improve overall company performance. According to the Edgar Schein Model, positive interactions among team members are crucial for the success of a company. Artifacts like dress codes and office furniture are visible aspects of culture.
Values and attitudes such as a mission statement will give deeper insights. But the most revealing aspect of culture is the basic assumptions employees make which is often subconscious. These assumptions will thereby guide communication and behavior for success.
Also read: What is QXEFV?
Great Company Culture Enhances Employee Retention
Culture can greatly impact employee retention. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many employees left their jobs which is a trend known as The Great Resignation. Toxic culture is a major reason for this.
Fostering a positive culture is crucial for retaining team members. Offering benefits like paid time off, flexible hours, and remote work options will show trust and care for employees. A positive culture will help improve employee morale. Celebrating achievements and empowering employees will reduce feelings of detachment and improve retention.
Strong Cultures Respond Well to Challenges
Companies with a healthy culture are better at facing challenges. Strong team connections will help them overcome obstacles. Even in tough situations with limited guidelines and resources, culture will drive the team forward. When all else fails, employees will rely on each other for solutions.
A strong culture will encourage community and innovation which will help in issue-solving. If team members are determined, others will feel energized. Some bugs will only show up after a program runs for a while and can take time to solve. However, with everyone involved, there is less chance of giving up as multiple perspectives and a positive attitude will help tackle the problem. Focusing on culture will lead to better results in overcoming challenges.
