Workplace culture is rooted in the company's mission and core values and shaped by unwritten rules and beliefs that guide how things are done within an organization. These unwritten rules can influence employee behavior, interactions, and decision-making. By understanding and respecting these cultural norms, employees can better navigate their workplace and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
A toxic company culture can lead to high turnover rates, low employee morale, and a negative reputation for the organization. The number one reason people quit their job was toxic company culture, according to a 2022 FlexJobs survey. HR plays a crucial role in fostering a creative and positive work culture, as it can significantly impact individual and organizational success.
“Culture is everything—the greatest competitive advantage organizations have to retain, attract and develop talent,” according to Jason Barger, author of Breathing Oxygen: How Positive Leadership Gives Life to Winning Cultures.
Following are some ways HR can contribute to creating a positive workplace culture.
It is essential for organizations to have a set of core values that everyone understands and follows. There is a high correlation between employees who say they are “happy and valued at work” and those who say their organization has a clearly articulated and lived culture. By promoting company values, HR helps establish a shared understanding of what's expected regarding behaviors and attitudes, leading to a more cohesive and productive workplace.
HR should develop and implement policies and procedures that align with the company's values. These guidelines need to address important issues such as anti-discrimination, harassment prevention, and ethical conduct. By clearly communicating these policies, HR ensures that employees understand the expectations and consequences of their actions.
HR can conduct training programs to educate employees about workplace culture, inclusivity, and diversity. These sessions help employees understand values and fosters a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Training programs that help nurture a positive company culture include:
HR can facilitate open lines of communication within the organization. By promoting regular feedback, HR enables employees to voice their concerns, provide suggestions, and contribute to a positive work environment. Open communication also involves addressing conflicts and grievances promptly and appropriately.
HR leaders should be role models for the desired workplace culture. When management exemplifies the values and behaviors they expect from others, it sets a strong precedent for employees to follow.
HR can contribute to a functional and inclusive work environment by actively managing workplace culture. Their efforts not only benefit the employees but also support the overall success and reputation of the organization.
HR can promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, fostering an environment that values and respects differences. Promote mutual understanding and limit the presence of unconscious bias within a workforce by:
As an HR professional, it's important to regularly evaluate the work environment and take steps to address any concerns. This includes conducting employee surveys to gather feedback and analyzing the results to identify and action areas for improvement. By addressing issues appropriately, HR can help promote a healthy workplace culture and ensure employees feel valued and supported.
Creating a company culture that encourages deeper employee connections and fosters a sense of community can have lasting and widespread impacts on your organization. This is especially important in today’s remote and hybrid business world.
Are you ready to learn more about how outsourced HR can help support a better employee culture in your organization? Get in touch with Cura HR today.
