Company culture is very regularly mentioned, but it is not always well understood. Many organizations have ambitious values statements that do not go beyond their website’s “About Us” page. However, culture should not be overlooked as it can significantly impact business productivity. By focusing on values, employee well-being, and effective communication, you can create a more pleasant work environment and improve performance.
To delve deeper into this topic, Manufacturing Matters Magazine interviewed Roy Spencer, an expert on company culture and organisational change from Iskra Consulting.
What strategies help to curate a positive culture?
According to Roy, a successful company culture relies on two key factors: vision and communication. Before anything else, you must determine what your company stands for and where it is headed.
“Your brand is as internal as it is external. You can tell your customers what your company stands for, but that must actually be the case on the inside.”
Roy Spencer – Director of Iskra Consulting
If you are trying to shape your company culture, you need to know what your goals are, and which values and behaviours can be emphasised to achieve this.
“What are you going to stop doing, what are you going to begin doing, and what are you going to continue doing? The questions seem simple enough, but in the busyness of managing a company, they can often go overlooked,” Roy emphasised.
Once you have a vision, how can it be put into practice?
Consider your company’s history and future trajectory. How can this narrative influence employee behaviour and ensure they fit into the overall vision?
“The examples set by the leader, the way people are rewarded and the stories we tell ourselves about our work and actions are important. If employees feel part of a big picture project, they will be more willing to engage within their role.”
He continued: “You need to encourage practices that engage with the vision. Rewards do not have to be solely financial; symbols, ceremonies, and traditions can also foster a positive culture. Something as simple as a coffee morning each month to check in with employees, celebrate successes and listen to suggestions can help.”
How does this help my bottom line?
Investing in employee welfare yields significant productivity returns. For every £1 spent on employee well-being, businesses can expect up to £5 in increased productivity returns. Gone are the days of extracting the most from each employee for the least reward. Instead, focus on creating an organisation that allows employees to give their best.
Listening to your employees is crucial. Pay attention to their feedback, as it can provide valuable insights.
“Communication plays a vital role, but it is equally important to observe what is revealed beyond explicit statements. Analyse data to determine if your efforts are working. Are absenteeism rates decreasing? Is employee retention increasing? If not, there will be a reason, you just have to be willing to look for it and make the necessary adjustments.”
Making these changes can save you a lot of time and cost. Happier staff are more productive, and more likely to stay in the company for longer.
“It takes 12 months for a new hire to be as efficient as the employee they have replaced, so you want to retain as many staff as possible. You have more output from your employees, and lower training costs – just from culture alone.”
By fostering a positive company culture, you can enhance productivity, attract top talent, and position your organisation for long-term success. Consider what you can do in the New Year to bring a fresh outlook to your business practices.
For more information on company culture and boosting productivity, please contact Roy Spencer at roy@iskraconsulting.co.uk.
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