If you’ve ever checked out a review on Glassdoor or talked to someone who has, you know how important workplace culture is for both employees and those looking for jobs. You’re in good company, as a survey by this popular review platform found that 77% of people consider a company’s culture before they even apply for a job. This trend shows potential employees leaning on reviews to get an inside look at what working at a company is like before they take the plunge on an application. Moreover, a study by Glassdoor in 2021 revealed that a toxic work culture is a major factor driving employees to resign.
So, what is workplace culture exactly? Well, it’s a mix of the values, ethics, and beliefs that shape a company. In a business setting, culture can influence everything from major strategic decisions to everyday operations, even down to how the communal kitchen is organized. Take Oatley, the oat milk brand, for instance. They promote a culture of kindness with buddy systems for newcomers and fun activities like quizzes to help colleagues get to know each other, even implementing these remotely during the pandemic. A company’s culture is often described as its personality, which is a key element of its identity.
For both employees and employers, positive workplace culture is essential. Studies have linked good workplace environments to strong stock performance and the well-being of staff. This means that businesses benefit in the long run by ensuring their employees thrive in supportive environments. On the flip side, a poor culture can bring unwanted media attention and potentially tarnish a company’s reputation. Amazon, for example, faced criticism in a New York Times article for fostering an environment with unpaid overtime and unsafe conditions, among other issues. Overall, it’s clear that an organization’s success heavily depends on all its components, especially employee well-being. A 2016 study by IZA World of Labour indicated that when workers are happier, productivity increases, making employee satisfaction crucial for both workers and their employers.
Mental health also plays a big role in employee satisfaction. The World Health Organization recommends more mental health training and support in workplaces globally, and many companies have increased access to mental health resources since the pandemic. For those interested in digging deeper into the topic, pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health could be beneficial. The shift to more remote work since COVID-19 has helped shine a light on improvements in employee well-being, with perks like better work-life balance and reduced company costs being some of the benefits. Getting along with coworkers also makes a big difference; a 2010 study showed that good relationships at work lead to greater job and life satisfaction.
So, how can we create a positive work environment? First, it’s essential to foster a welcoming atmosphere, where discrimination, bias, bullying, and other negative behaviors are actively counteracted with awareness and training. Building strong relationships is important too, whether it’s through regular meet-ups or team-building outings. Offering numerous opportunities for learning, coaching, and career growth is also key because when employees can advance within the company, they’re more likely to stay. Lastly, promoting work-life balance is crucial. Employers should consider flexibility in work arrangements, such as letting employees choose their hours or work from home, which are increasingly popular perks people seek nowadays.
All in all, having a supportive workplace culture is crucial for both employees and employers as it leads to positive outcomes. Although the benefits of such a culture might not be immediate, they are vital for the lasting success of any business. The relationship between employers and employees thrives on this mutual benefit, making it a vital component of a successful enterprise.
