5 ways to cultivate a thriving and resilient culture
Every organisation, whether it realises it or not, is creating and sustaining a culture within it. Organisational culture is a powerful force that shapes the work environment and influences how employees engage with one another and their work. While those in leadership may have the greatest impact on culture, everyone in the organisation has a role to play in shaping it.
Recent shocks to our working world have disrupted the way we work and challenged many organisations to reassess their approach to culture. However, it has also created an opportunity to take proactive steps to cultivate a thriving and resilient culture.
Think of culture as a living, breathing entity that requires ongoing attention and care. Neglecting it can cause it to stagnate and ultimately erode. To keep it fresh, consider these five steps:
Embrace ownership: Everyone in the organisation should take ownership of the culture they create. Empower employees to contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive culture.
View it through the lens of your customers: Consider how your culture impacts your customers or clients. Ensure that your culture aligns with your organisation's values and mission.
Obtain an external perspective: Seek feedback from external sources, such as consultants or surveys, to gain a fresh perspective on your culture. However, it is important to note that employee engagement surveys have limitations and should not be the only source of insight.
Pay attention to cultural disruptors: Identify and address behaviours that may undermine your culture, such as incivility or lack of accountability.
Act quickly to address issues: When issues arise, address them promptly to prevent them from spreading and damaging the culture.
Research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that 97% of UK workers consider a positive workplace culture to be important. However, only 50% believe their organisation has a strong culture. This is an opportunity to take proactive steps to improve your organisation's culture and create a positive and engaging work environment.
Cultivating a thriving and resilient culture can have many benefits, such as increased employee engagement, improved productivity, and greater organisational resilience in the face of challenges.
We can help you take action to improve your culture. Our services include obtaining an external perspective, assessing how your culture is perceived by customers, and identifying and addressing cultural disruptors. Let's work together to create a culture that empowers and engages your employees.
