Assessing your company culture and having a plan to continuously evolve is a necessary step to attracting and retaining the dream employee we all look to hire.
Employees are more likely to stay with a company that has a positive and inclusive culture, reducing turnover rates and the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. A strong company culture, where workers feel valued and supported, can also serve as a magnet for attracting top talent.
Understanding your company culture ensures that your values, mission and goals align with your employees’ behaviors and attitudes, helping to create a shared purpose within the organization. Additionally, when you’re able to clearly communicate company values, you’re in a better position to attract candidates who are likely to thrive in your organization.
Here are seven points to keep in mind when working to build company culture::
Assess your reputation: A positive company culture enhances your employer’s brand and reputation, attracting top talent who want to work for a company known for its values, ethics and employee-friendly policies. Your company culture shapes your employer’s brand and reputation, influencing how your organization is perceived by employees, customers and the public. Showcase your company values and mission statement on your website and social media platforms to give potential candidates a glimpse into your company culture.
Stand out from the crowd: In a competitive job market, a strong company culture can set your organization apart from others. Make it a point to highlight the benefits you are most proud of. Competitive benefits and perks, such as health insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts will always catch the eye of your next potential employee.
Drive employee engagement: A clear understanding of your company culture helps create an engaging work environment that motivates employees, enhances job satisfaction, and fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. A supportive and inclusive culture encourages collaboration, teamwork and innovation, creating a dynamic and creative work environment that appeals to top talent.
Make “self care” a priority: A company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, work-life balance and mental health promotes a healthier and happier workforce, which is attractive to many in today’s talent pool.
Conduct stay interviews: Take a pulse check at least once a quarter to find out why your employees choose to stay and then capitalize on those reasons. This approach removes the guesswork from understanding what your employees are thinking and feeling.
Commit to continuous improvement: By knowing your company beliefs, values and purpose, you can identify areas for improvement, address challenges and implement initiatives that strengthen and enhance your culture over time. Understanding your culture enables you to identify and leverage the strengths and values of your employees, leading to improved performance, productivity and collaboration.
Guide decision making: Understanding your company culture provides a framework for making strategic decisions, setting priorities, and guiding actions that are consistent with your values and organizational identity.
Akil Lloyd, SHRM-SCP serves as the diversity director for both the Southeast Tennessee and Tennessee state chapters of the Society of Human Resources Management. Lloyd currently work as the team lead for Region 2 at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In 2023, TN SHRM selected him as the recipient of the HR Professional Excellence Award.