Organizational culture establishes a distinct self-identity that can reliably predict an organization's success or failure. It serves as another means of setting yourself apart from the competition, retaining and attracting talent, and, moreover, fostering loyalty and attracting customers who resonate with it. It's the most cost-effective all-in-one solution you can imagine. It's akin to love: while it's free, it necessitates nurturing and attention to every detail. All you need to do is commit your time to cultivating the values you wish to instill and share with your team.
Doesn't sound too challenging, does it? Well, even if it surprises you, most organizations don't invest significantly in nurturing their corporate culture or explaining its principles to their employees, including new hires, despite its pivotal role in the onboarding process.
What is organizational culture?
Organizational culture in a company can be defined as the collection of values, behaviors, and language that compose the environment of the entity. It shapes how employees work and interact with each other, customers, suppliers, and anyone external to the organization.
Every organization possesses its unique culture, stemming from its distinct work style. Considering that most individuals spend 40 hours a week at work, a healthy organizational culture plays a crucial role in maintaining employee motivation and engagement.
A well-cultivated organizational culture acts as a company's greenhouse, akin to superfoods, delivering only benefits and fostering a healthy workplace that attracts the individuals we desire. It can even influence, among other factors, the efficiency and speed of task execution or the organization's adaptability to change.
Benefits of a strong organizational culture:
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Distinct identity. No two companies are alike, primarily because no two organizational cultures are identical. A strong organizational culture aids in conveying our company's values to those outside it. For instance, if we establish a corporate atmosphere characterized by humor and enjoyment, our clients - or potential clients - will perceive us as a fun and approachable brand.
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Engagement. It assists in sustaining employee motivation and dedication to the organization. When employees resonate with corporate values and view them as integral to shaping their organization's culture, they are more inclined to contribute to the company's success, as they perceive these achievements as their own. Many companies communicate their values and vision through 360º Feedback processes among its employees, building exceptional workplaces where people are reluctant to leave.
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Unity. Culture plays a pivotal role in team-building, even when employees are spread across different cities or working remotely. It fosters a sense of unity, particularly in diverse workforces, promoting equality. A well-cultivated culture emphasizes cooperation, which, in turn, reduces complaints and adverse situations.
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Customer service. Most customers are attuned to the cultures of their service providers. We are well aware that when we favor a brand, we tend to repeat business, spend more, and recommend it to others.
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Talent Attraction and Retention. A culture that resonates with individuals makes them feel more comfortable, committed, and motivated, increasing the likelihood of longer-term team members. This mitigates turnover and the high costs associated with recruiting new employees. Additionally, companies that are perceived as enjoyable and offer growth opportunities attract top talent, fostering Employer branding.
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Communication. When employees are familiar with the principles governing your organization, it is much easier for them to know how and when to communicate. This is vital for productivity and good performance. The information will flow and the objectives and tasks will be better comprehend and integrated.
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Job satisfaction. Is there anything more satisfying than being part of a well-cultivated organizational culture aligned with our personal ideals? It's a genuine pleasure to work in a company where people collaborate, enjoy themselves, and where colleagues and managers acknowledge each other's contributions through feedback. Job satisfaction and happiness at work correlate with enhanced performance.
And when our team works together toward the same goal, they are bound to reach the Emerald City more quickly!
The way we operate within our organization is undeniably linked to the way we present ourselves and are perceived externally.
It's crucial to recognize that every company has a corporate identity. If the organization's leader or the individual responsible for Human Resources doesn't consciously build it, others will shape it unconsciously, often leading to disorder. To avoid our culture resembling a jungle where the law of the jungle prevails, it's essential to concentrate on the values with which we wish to align. Furthermore, the primary ingredient of corporate culture is the example set by its leaders.
A well-cultivated organizational culture enables us to draw out the best in each individual. Motivation inherently drives improved performance and inspires us to fulfill our tasks and objectives to the best of our abilities, day after day. It is the organizational culture that fosters enthusiasm as we arrive at the office and leaves us with a smile as we return home.
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