Many organisations know this but still get so focused on ‘doing what needs to be done’ to achieve results that working on their culture becomes a low priority.
Then the organisation suffers as financial results decline which eventually leads to more staff lay-offs creating even greater team disharmony.
When the importance of culture is not recognised and appreciated as it should be, organisations will quickly go into a downward spiral!
So what is needed to start with is an understanding and acknowledgment by leaders that the very essence of achieving success is having a positive team culture.
Which leads me to this blog…
I want every organisation to enjoy the fruits of having a great culture to work in. That is my driving force!
This year I’ll be writing and sharing a series of blogs and other content on how to create a positive team culture.
But before I get into the ‘how’, it is important to set the scene and explain the ‘why’ – why a positive culture at work is vital.
And just as important, why it’s vital ‘now’ more than ever!
I believe there are six key reasons why a positive culture at work is vital now more than ever…
1. The attraction and retention of good staff
If you have a strong team culture, existing staff will see a future in the business and good people will apply to be part of it, it’s that simple.
It will not only reduce the cost and resources involved in the continual recruitment and training of staff, a great culture will ensure you have the best people.
Yesterday, people were grateful to have a job. Today, younger workers particularly choose who they want to work for. They rate culture highly when choosing potential roles.
In this simple quote, Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson explains how to retain good staff.
2. The trend towards Work Life Integration
The traditional 9-5 work day is almost non-existent.
We now live in a close to 24/7 business environment where people blend their professional and personal lives into one, called Work Life Integration.
So if we are working longer hours and working during other aspects of our life, we may as well enjoy it!
If we don’t enjoy our work environment, the motivation to work these longer hours especially during personal time, will drop resulting in lower productivity, poorer performance and potentially resignation.
3. The positive mental health of employees
The more happy that employees are in the workplace, the more positive their mental health!
Recent studies by PwC and Instinct and Reason show that a mentally healthy workplace will produce higher levels of staff retention, increased productivity and reduced costs in absenteeism and compensation claims.
Whilst there are many factors involved in good mental health, a supportive and happy work environment is a very important factor.
4. The reliance on team units in the workplace
In any industry, an individual is only as good as his or her team.
You may have a high performing individual in your workplace, but if they do not work effectively in a team or are not supported by the team around them, it will count for very little.
Every workplace today, with the exception of sole traders, relies on team units for a business function. They may be small or large but, regardless, there needs to be team building, harmony, cohesiveness and unity for the team and ultimately business to succeed.
5. The productivity of staff
Quite simply, happy staff are more productive staff!
You can find plenty of research on this claim including this article but really it is common sense.
Even the time spent to nurture fun and enjoyment in the workplace such as corporate team building activities, social events, corporate training days and in-house competitions is time well spent for the productivity it will enhance.
6. The ultimate profitability or viability of the organisation
Consider this! A positive corporate culture will aid in the retention and recruitment of staff; add motivation for people to integrate work into their 24/7 lives; promote a mentally healthy workplace; create team harmony and unity; and, increase productivity.
The result – greater output, more quality performance and an environment conducive to creativity and future planning.
This can only lead to business success however that looks to you – profitability or viability!
And that is why it’s important to create and nurture a positive team culture in 2017!
Dwain Richardson, Managing Director, Corporate Challenge Events
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