Howie Chan’s Post

The Secret Sauce of Workplace Culture The best companies are full of unique people.  This is their life blood, and the diversity of owners, managers and staff contributes to form the company’s culture. So how can you define company culture and, more importantly, how does it all work together? A common definition is “workplace culture is the shared values, belief systems and the set of expectations that people in a workplace share”. What I like about this definition is that the responsibility for a company’s culture is shared between the individuals and the company. I was listening to a webinar in February hosted by Gov365 and the speaker Michael Henderson made a statement that resonated with me. It was “culture belongs to the people”. What this means to me is that a company’s culture is not a piece of paper hanging on the wall; it’s not mandated or forced but rather is owned by each person and collaboratively worked out and practiced in everyday work life. So, for the individuals that make up the team, some examples of what shared values and belief systems may look like are: ·      Supporting one another helps the team succeed ·      Encouragement and honesty are equally important ·      Everyone deserves to be treated fairly ·      No individual is more important than the team From a company’s point of view, some expectations of and commitments to the team may be ·      The leaders value people as their most important resource and support them fully ·      Leaders are committed to inclusivity and making the company a great place to work ·      Everyone in the company plays an important role in its success ·      Training and development are pillars of our success ·      Everyone knows clearly what the company stands for and its goals This is when the magic happens! When the individual responsibilities are owned by the people and the expectations are committed to and backed up by the company, that is when you know you have the recipe for a great company culture. That is when the diversity of all the individuals becomes a great strength. People flourish by uniting with common values that allow their individual strengths to shine. This in turn brings great benefit to the company and makes it a compelling place to be for staff and customers.

What actually is a workplace culture and does it matter? Culture to me is the heart of any organisation. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how we interact and work together. It's the invisible force that guides decision-making, collaboration, and defines the whole employee experience. With 5 generations of workforce under one roof its more important than ever. Everyone's needs and wants from an employer differ greatly... It's a pretty big deal! And for me to have responsiblity for our culture written in to my job title...the pressure is real! But why does culture matter in the workplace? And who is actually responsible for it? Here are my thoughts... 1) A strong, positive culture keeps employees motivated and committed. When people feel valued and aligned with their company's mission, they are far more engaged and productive. And we know happy workforce= results! 2) Talented individuals seek out organisations with cultures that resonate with their own values. A healthy workplace culture becomes key in the competitive talent market. I always ask candidates at interview what they want in their next employer for this exact reason! 3) Employees stay where they feel understood and appreciated. Fact. A supportive culture reduces turnover and builds loyalty, which is what we need to be successful! 4) Teams that thrive in a positive cultural environment are more innovative, efficient, and resilient. Culture shapes how challenges are faced and overcome. Teamwork makes the dreamwork! 5) A happy and engaged workforce gives better customer service. The passion and commitment of employees reflects in their interactions with our clients and customers. 6) Building and maintaining a strong workplace culture isn't an overnight task—it's an ongoing commitment! As leaders we must embody the values they want to see and consistently nurture the environment so that everyone can thrive. Culture isn't a pool table in the canteen or cake on your birthday. Culture is the feeling your team have on a Sunday night about coming to work on a Monday! It's our job to build a culture where everyone can bring their best selves to work every day. #WorkplaceCulture

When discussing workplace culture and climate, it's essential to distinguish between the two concepts, even though they are closely related and often influence each other. We can explore how these two aspects differ and how they are evaluated and managed within organizations. Definitions Culture: According to SHRM, organizational culture refers to the values, beliefs, and underlying assumptions that shape how employees behave and interact in an organization. It is the "personality" of the organization and is often reflected in the company's mission, vision, values, and practices. Climate: Workplace climate, on the other hand, refers to the employees' perceptions and attitudes about the work environment and conditions. It is more about how employees feel about their workplace at a given time, influenced by policies, leadership, and day-to-day interactions. Come and tell me, how does your company's climate reflect your company's culture?

Many employees feel they don't fit in and are searching for meaning in their jobs. What's the problem? The cause is often a poor or nonexistent workplace culture. Workplace culture consists of the beliefs, values, and norms that guide a company and its employees. A poor culture negatively impacts: ▪ Employee morale. ▪ Performance. It can also lead to 🔥 Burnout and increased turnover. If you are a leader, focus on building a culture that promotes growth and a sense of belonging. To achieve this: ✔ Lead by example. ✔ Reinforce the company's values. ✔ Encourage communication and respect. You have the opportunity to create a safe and pleasant environment where you and your employees can reach your full potential.

"Deciphering Workplace Dynamics: A Guide for New Managers" Understanding the multifaceted cultures within a company is vital for new managers to navigate potential hurdles. The inherited work culture, whether positive, negative, or neutral, is heavily influenced by the broader corporate environment. Cultures, irrespective of being organizational or industrial, are diverse and not tied to an individual's background but rather to the atmosphere experienced within a specific industry or role. A guide to explore Work Culture: Work culture branches into three main subsets: 1. Industry Culture 2. Company Culture 3. Departmental Culture The intricate reality is that these cultures often overlap, and this intertwining can be beneficial, fostering greater chances of success. Assessing the level of cultural overlap across departments, the company, and the industry is critical. A series of questions can aid in understanding the surrounding work culture: Regarding the Industry: 1. Is the environment conservative? 2. Are there specific dress codes? 3. Does the business heavily rely on analytics or creativity? Regarding the Company: 1. What values are prioritized by senior management? 2. How does the company communicate with external stakeholders? 3. How well-defined is the corporate culture? Regarding the Department: 1. Is there open communication among departments, or is there a tendency to work in isolation? 2. Is there a competitive mindset among different groups within the company? Understanding these dynamics across organizational operations, human resources, marketing, finance, sales, and research and development is also crucial for Managers.

What does negative culture look like in an organization? 🤔 A toxic work culture is a work environment that is dominated by practices, policies and management styles that perpetuate unhealthy habits and conflicts among team members. It can be harmful to employees, preventing them from being productive and growing professionally. Bad organizational culture can also lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction that drives employees to look for jobs elsewhere. On one level, toxic work culture is institutional-centric; the organization’s policies and procedures are designed with itself, not its workforce, in mind. Negative workplace culture also often means outdated work policies, for example, a requirement to work from the office, that are mistakenly thought to squeeze the most productivity from an employee, or an offering of benefits and perks that are easy on the organization’s budget, but tough on employees’ lives. A toxic work culture typically results in workplace “illnesses,” such as lack of cohesion among teams, increased absences and tardiness, lower productivity and high turnover. A few red flags to be aware of include: 🚩 You don’t have a list of core values. 🚩 There’s a lot of gossip in the office. 🚩 No DEI policy. 🚩 Little or no hiring from within. Strong culture is important for your organization's longevity and success. In order to build an exciting culture that will entice job seekers and retain employees, you need to be thoughtful with the type of organizational culture you aim to create. There are a number of ways for employers to be proactive about promoting positive organizational culture. For example, set aside time for activities like team lunch or ice breakers that give people a chance to step back from their regular duties and get to know other people on their specific team or in other departments. Remember, be vigilant against the bad organizational culture red flags to allow a positive work environment to flourish. . #DaecoHR #NegativeCulture #WorkplaceCulture #CultureTips #YEGHR

Respect is one of the most critical ingredients in shaping a positive and productive workplace culture. It helps foster a healthy and harmonious environment for employees and can have a significant impact on overall organizational success. Here are several reasons why respect is so crucial in the workplace: 1. Promotes Trust: Respect is the foundation of trust. When employees feel respected by their colleagues and superiors, they are more likely to trust the organization as a whole. 2. Enhances Collaboration: In a respectful workplace, employees are more inclined to work together effectively. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and improved teamwork. 3. Boosts Morale: Feeling respected and valued as an individual boosts employee morale. When employees are happy and satisfied with their workplace, they tend to be more engaged, motivated, and productive. This can result in lower turnover rates and higher retention of top talent. 4. Reduces Conflict: Respectful communication can significantly reduce workplace conflicts. When individuals treat each other with courtesy and consideration, misunderstandings and disagreements are less likely to escalate into major disputes. 5. Fosters Inclusion and Diversity: A culture of respect embraces diversity and inclusivity. It ensures that all employees, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity, feel welcome and valued. This not only helps attract a more diverse workforce but also encourages diverse perspectives and ideas. 6. Improves Communication: Respectful communication is key to effective workplace interactions. When employees are comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns without fear of ridicule or retribution, communication becomes more transparent and honest. 7. Facilitates Feedback and Growth: Constructive feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. In a respectful workplace, employees are more receptive to feedback and see it as an opportunity for improvement rather than criticism. 8. Enhances Customer Relations: A culture of respect often extends to how employees treat customers and clients. When employees feel respected, they are more likely to provide exceptional customer service, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. 9. Attracts Top Talent: A respectful workplace reputation can be a valuable asset in attracting top talent. Job seekers are more likely to be drawn to organizations known for their positive workplace culture, which can give the company a competitive edge in the talent market. Respect is the foundation for a thriving workplace culture. It fosters trust, collaboration, and a positive atmosphere, contributing to increased employee satisfaction and organizational success. By prioritizing respect, organizations can create an environment where employees are empowered to perform at their best, and the benefits extend far beyond the workplace itself, positively impacting customers and stakeholders.

If you want to retain your employees and attract new ones, you should focus on building a positive work culture.

Company culture is the foundation on which a business stands. The health of a company’s culture is pivotal to its success.

Myths about workplace culture