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Ever walked into an office and instantly felt the energy—whether it’s buzzing with collaboration or weighed down by tension? That’s workplace culture in action, and it has more influence on success than most people realise.
From leadership styles to how teams communicate, the way a workplace “feels” can make or break both individual and company-wide success. Workplace culture according to Workhuman, refers to shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions within a workplace. It is important for employees to feel connected to their colleagues and the company’s mission.
Research by Deloitte shows that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct corporate culture is crucial for business success, enhancing employee satisfaction and accommodating various work styles. “A positive culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also accommodates various work styles, enabling everyone to work in ways that best suit their strengths and preferences.”
Positive workplace culture is a branch of positive psychology that emphasises character strengths and behaviours that lead to meaning and purpose, states the Harvard University website. It is mentioned that the culture of the workplace is shaped by an organisation’s collective beliefs and values, and a healthy workplace is not just about a list of values. To recognise a positive work environment, companies should focus on trust, psychological safety, a sense of belonging, professional development opportunities, and flexibility, the publication adds.
“Psychological safety happens when people aren’t afraid to speak up. They trust that they can share their opinions without retribution, even if those opinions are different from their supervisors. This includes feeling safe to contribute alternative ideas or suggestions raising any concerns or being transparent if mistakes are discovered.”
According to Better Up, company culture varies across organisations, with four examples: collaborative culture, innovative culture, customer-centric culture, and inclusive culture. Collaborative culture is said to involve open office spaces and regular team meetings.
The above source further adds that innovative culture encourages creative thinking and research, with dedicated time for personal projects. Customer-centric culture shows by prioritising customer feedback, exceptional customer service policies, and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction metrics.”
An inclusive culture is claimed to involve diverse hiring practices, employee resource groups, and diversity training. These cultures can be seen in HR policies, company events, and employee networking opportunities, concludes the above publication.
Also see: How to find your next job with confidence and ease
