5 Elements That Make a Good Company Culture

Successfully attracting and keeping talent that helps your company continue to flourish is heavily influenced by one key factor: culture. Many job seekers are even placing a higher value on a company’s culture than their salary when choosing a position. This is a value Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) holds high, not only with new employees, but every team member at BBB, which has a ripple effect that positively affects the businesses and community members they serve.

So, if company culture is important, then how is it built? Contrary to some beliefs, establishing an effective company culture doesn’t just mean piling perks for your employees. You need to work to help your teams proactively feel that their time spent serving at your company feels valuable. Here are some practices that invite those outcomes.

5 Elements of a Good Company Culture

• Hire for culture fit. When you’re hiring new employees, it’s important to consider their fit with your company culture. This means looking for people who share your values and who will be a good fit for the team. You can do this by asking questions about their previous work experiences and their values during the interview process.
• Create a sense of belonging. Employees should feel like they’re part of a team and that their contributions are valued. This can be done by creating opportunities for collaboration and teamwork, by celebrating employee success and by providing opportunities for social interaction, such as company retreats or get-togethers.
• Encourage communication and feedback. A good company culture is built on open and honest communication. Employees should feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas, both positive and negative. You can encourage communication by creating a culture of trust and respect, and by providing regular opportunities for feedback.
• Celebrate successes. When employees achieve their goals, it’s important to take the time to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. This shows that you value their hard work and dedication, and it can help boost morale. You can celebrate successes in a variety of ways, such as giving out awards, providing public recognition, or simply saying thank you.
• Be flexible and adaptable. A good company culture is adaptable to change. As your business grows and changes, your company culture should evolve with it. This means being willing to change your policies and procedures as needed, and being open to new ideas.

In addition to these five elements, there are many other factors that can contribute to a good company culture. Some of these factors include:

• Clear values and mission. Employees should know what your company stands for and what it’s trying to achieve. This can be communicated through your company’s values statement, mission statement, and employee handbook.
• Fair and consistent treatment. Employees should be treated fairly and consistently, regardless of their position or background. This means following clear policies and procedures, and avoiding favoritism.
• Opportunities for professional development. Employees should have opportunities to learn and grow in their careers. This can be done through training programs, mentorship programs, and other development opportunities.
• Positive and supportive work environment. Employees should feel comfortable and supported at work. This means creating a safe and respectful work environment, and providing resources for employees to deal with stress and conflict.

A good company culture can be a valuable asset to any business. By creating a positive and productive work environment, you can attract and retain top talent, boost employee morale, and improve your bottom line.