14 Surefire Ways to Enhance Your Company’s Culture

 

A company’s culture plays a major role in job satisfaction and security. Fortunately, you can have a powerful impact on your workplace regardless of which position you hold. Try these suggestions to create an environment where everyone can feel valued and appreciated.

 

Steps to Take by Yourself

1. Continue learning. Invest in education and training. Enhancing one’s knowledge and abilities will increase opportunities at their present workplace, as well as in future endeavors. This allows for you to become a stronger team member, and a great leader for any organization.

2. Think long term. Keep your goals in mind. Evaluate how your actions will affect your organization’s outlook. Going the extra mile to satisfy a client could lead to repeat business, glowing reviews, and valuable referrals.

3. Take risks. Reward yourself for being innovative, even if some of your efforts fail to pan out. Being determined and resilient leads to thinking out of the box, resulting in great ideas, or redefining  prior ideas. Maybe you will find a new vendor who can save your company money. Or perhaps you will work on redesigning the company logo.

4. Ask questions. Being able to ask for information and advice is a sign of confidence. You will do your job better and show your colleagues you appreciate their experience and expertise.

5. Redecorate your surroundings. Culture involves both internal and external factors. Keeping the work area clear of clutter and distractions could improve your peace of mind. Such as family portraits or potted plants can improve workplace productivity. Displaying family photos may spark conversations and make you feel more comfortable.

 

 

Steps to Take with Your Co-Workers

1. Build consensus. Think about all the stakeholders who are affected by your work. Request feedback and input from colleagues. Involve others when you are making important decisions. They will be more likely to support projects that they fostered.

2. Socialize more. Becoming more familiar with co-workers inside and outside of the workplace can strengthen your relationships. Participate in office picnics, happy hours and other functions. Join the softball league and invite your co-workers out to dinner.

3. Welcome new hires. Extend a welcoming invite to new hires. Explaining the corporate culture to them can help reinforce your own beliefs and actions.

4. Give praise. Be generous in acknowledging the talents and achievements of your colleagues. Congratulate a colleague whose paper has recently been published in a reputable journal. Let the office manager know that you like the way he or she reorganized the supply cabinet. Thank the mail room staff for delivering a proposal just in time for a tight deadline.

5. Share credit. Recognize teamwork. Thank colleagues personally and publicly for their contributions to group victories. Express your gratitude by throwing a party or writing a letter.

6. Communicate openly. Speak straightforward and respectfully. Thank your co-workers for sharing their perspective.

7. Resolve conflicts. Disagreements are unavoidable. Hold yourself responsible  for your actions and apologize when needed. Be courteous, even when you find yourself on the opposing side of an issue.

8. Focus on strengths. Keep in mind the things you and your co-workers do well. Everyone’s strengths are the core of your company’s culture and the foundation you can build upon for continuous growth.

9. Give back to the community. Your organization’s philanthropy and community programs serves as a reflection of the corporate culture. Take part in initiatives you care about, such as holiday food drives or volunteer outings. Suggest new programs that align with your company’s mission.

You will find your work more meaningful and gratifying when your employer’s corporate culture aligns with your own values. Whatever your job title, you can have a positive influence on the practices in your workplace.