“Excuse me, sir,”
Tola said in the middle of the presentation by the accounting team.
“Tola! We’re having an important meeting and it is time-sensitive. Whatever you want to say, let’s talk about it later.”
Tola felt shut down and insulted. She had observed a mistake in the numbers during the presentation by the accounting team.
She’d be asked later by the manager: “Now, Tola, why did you disrupt the meeting? What is wrong?”
Tola would respond:
“I thought I saw a mistake, sir.”
The manager would laugh, and go on to say: “And what do you know about the project, you were only present to record the minutes. Are you not an HR assistant?”
“Yes sir,” she would respond.
This mistake would later go on to affect the company.
When you’re leading an organization, and leading people, it is crucial to listen to them. Build a work culture that allows them to freely be themselves—where they are treated fairly and can feel that their opinion is valued.
There are many people like Tola in organizations today, who are working endlessly to find another job opportunity. Despite enjoying their work, the work culture is toxic and they have to put themselves first.
What is a great work culture?
A work culture comprises the behaviors, mindset and beliefs of employees about the workplace. It is largely informed by the strategies that are put in place by managers of the company to foster employee engagement, a healthy work environment, and optimal performance.
The work culture of an organization affects employee behavior and attitude towards work. A great work culture is one where the employee has the right attitude to work and enjoys a healthy working environment.
As a manager, here are 5 reasons why you should build a great work culture for your staff.
Makes your work easy: As a manager who is saddled with ensuring that work is delivered and employees feel comfortable and happy with their work, putting strategies in place that ensure employees’ needs are met helps your work thrive and increases your organization’s chances of success.
Improves the working environment: A great work culture makes people want to come to work and execute projects. They feel at ease while working, and don’t have any reason to fear or always be on edge while working.
Increase employee engagement: When there’s a clear and purposeful work culture, employees are inspired and discharge their responsibilities in line with the deep connection they feel with their work, thereby increasing their interest in work and willingness to collaborate freely with others, which in turn results in a positive atmosphere that fosters productivity.
Creating brand advocates: Employees transform into brand advocates when they enjoy the work environment. They see the company as theirs and always represent it with much gusto out there.
Optimal performance: Companies that have a great work environment are likely to have top performers who enjoy their work. Employees will know that their opinions are valued, and they can contribute their expertise to delivering great work.
If Tola was given a chance to speak, she would learn that she has a keen eye for details, and may take on tasks that will advance the company, and perhaps, also discover her love for finance. Now that you know why you should build a great work culture. Here are some measures to put in place to maintain it.
Have stay interviews: Stay interviews are for existing workers to see how they have enjoyed working in the organization so far. They make employees feel welcome and important, which in turn encourages them to work optimally.
Organize training programs: Training programs are a way to reinforce the roles of all employees and close the gaps in knowledge. Employees feel prioritized when the organization shows interest in their growth and they in turn improve the love for the organizational culture.
Conclusion
Having a work culture means having strategies in place that make the workplace safe for employees and managers. It fosters healthy connections among employees, breeds productivity, and improves performance. Most organizations that have a great work culture produce employees who speak for the brand and treat it like theirs.