A recent survey was conducted amongst 10,000 workers in which they asked employees to describe their workplace culture in one word. The most commonly used word was “stress.” This feedback is not exactly the type of inspiration that drives positive workplace culture.
The study also asked employees to rate their company on a 100-point scale, with an average reported rate of 65 (which would translate to an “F” on an exam). Close to half of respondents (40%) believe their company only cares about its profits, 42% think their work and accomplishments go unnoticed, and 35% do not trust their senior leadership at their workplace. This negativity translates to more than 75% of businesses feeling that retention is a problem. A key finding in the study suggested that affirmative workplace culture is a key component of improving retention.
Below are the 6 Essential Aspects of Workplace Culture to Focus, as identified in the study by OC Tanner Institute, Y2 Analytics and Harvard Business School:
1. Purpose – means connecting employees to your organization’s reason for being or the difference you make in the world.
2. Opportunity – means providing employees the ability to learn new skills, develop, and contribute.
3. Success – means giving employees the opportunity to innovate, do meaningful work, and be on winning teams.
4. Appreciation – means acknowledging and recognizing employees’ outstanding work and unique
5. Wellbeing – means paying attention to and constantly working to improve employees’ physical, social, emotional, and financial health.
6. Leadership – means connecting employees to purpose, empowering them to do great work, and creating a sense of camaraderie.
The study found that organizations that improve these 6 areas, even by a little, will see significant improvements in recruiting, engagement, tenure, satisfaction and other business metrics such as revenue growth and expansion. Having employees fill out periodic (anonymous) questionnaires may help gage how workers are feeling and what could be improved upon. Keep track of the ongoing improvements, and monitor feedback to make sure the changes are beneficial for both the employees and the company.
