Are you looking to foster the right workplace culture, so your employees are engaged, loyal, and productive? If so, that’s good! The best way to ensure a driven team is to create a culture that fosters the results you want.
While the competition may try to copy your product or services, there are two things they can’t copy— your people and your culture.
Some companies like Southwest Airlines, Zappos, and the Virgin Group are outpacing their competition because of their culture. If you’re interested in doing the same for your organization, I have four tips for growing a business culture that inspires loyalty, engagement, and the high performance those qualities produce.
- Start new hires on a Friday—and make them feel welcome.
Many managers think new employees should start on Monday. But think about it. That’s the day when their new co-workers are facing a long to-do list for the week. Be different and consider starting new hires on Friday when the office is a bit looser. Another option is to throw a little party for the new hire. Many offices hold going away parties for departing employees, but doesn’t it make more sense to put this enthusiasm toward the person with whom you’re making a commitment rather than the person who’s no longer working for you?
- Recognize accomplishments by putting them in writing and I mean handwriting.
Typing emails and instant messaging is clearly much more convenient, which is why an employee who deserves special attention will recognize the extra effort behind a hand-written note. A hand-written note or letter has such a personal touch. The recipient knows that the manager or CEO has taken the time and effort to create a special communication just for him or her. If you make people feel special, they’ll feel good about both the organization and themselves.
- Provide lunch and make it a free one.
One of my clients started with only ten employees, and each day one employee would bring in lunch for everyone. As the company grew to several hundred employees, the CEO found that free lunches were so beneficial that the company now hires a caterer to maintain the boost in culture the lunches provide. While many leaders may cringe at the expense, employee appreciation outweighs the cost. An added benefit for those who can’t get past the cost is that providing the inhouse lunch keeps people engaged within the office, rather than having them leave for lunch and maybe return a little bit late.
- Flatten the privilege structure.
It’s not a good idea to create anything resembling a class system. One over-looked way companies create separation by creating special parking arrangements for upper management. At one point in my career, I was the No.1 salesmen at one company, but I always preferred to park with the others. I’d come in at 5 a.m. and notice that those with reserved parking weren’t there yet. They arrived significantly later than those who parked in the unreserved spots. Provide parking on a first-come, first-serve basis. That way upper management doesn’t feel too entitled or privileged above other employees.
Corporate culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage that is completely within the control of the entrepreneur. ~David Cummings, Co-Founder, Pardot
Today’s guest contributor is Jack Daly, author, former CEO, and an expert in sales and sales management with more than 20 years of business experience. Jack has both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA, and he was a captain in U.S. Army.
Image source (before quote added): Pixabay
