In today’s competitive business landscape, a thriving company culture is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical component of organisational success. Elizabeth Hardwick-Smith, Group People and Culture Director at Pick Everard, shares insights on how to cultivate a strong company culture that benefits both employees and the organisation.
The Importance of Intentional Culture Building
A strong company culture doesn’t just happen by chance. It requires:
- Deliberate planning and investment
- Alignment with business strategy and values
- Involvement from all levels of the organization
Setting the Foundation
To build a strong culture:
- Start with clear expectations from leadership
- Integrate values and purpose into daily operations
- Introduce culture initiatives during onboarding
- Collaborate with managers to enhance employee experience
People-First Approach
Modern employees seek more than just a paycheck. They want:
- Recognition as individuals
- Meaningful work with purpose
- To be part of something larger
To meet these needs:
- Implement flexible policies that suit diverse lifestyles
- Create better engagement and performance schemes
- Develop reward systems that motivate and care for employees
Fostering Innovation and Accountability
Empower employees by:
- Giving them space to flourish and innovate
- Implementing schemes like “Lightbulb Moments” to encourage process improvements
- Rewarding the best ideas and involving employees in implementation
Recognition and Reward Strategies
Develop a “spot it, celebrate it” mentality:
- Acknowledge good work promptly
- Use bespoke competencies and values as a behavior guide
- Implement various recognition touchpoints, from quick messages to full-scale awards
Balancing Flexibility and Collaboration
Address the challenges of hybrid work by:
- Offering agile working policies
- Providing regular social and team-building opportunities
- Implementing enhanced family leave policies and childcare schemes
- Maintaining ongoing dialogue between managers and teams
Prioritizing Health and Wellbeing
Support employee wellness through:
- Flexibility in work arrangements
- Wellness support plans
- Trained mental health first aiders
- A dedicated wellbeing hub
Driving Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Strengthen EDI practices by:
- Establishing a team of diversity champions
- Investing in EDI training
- Implementing a strategic EDI plan
- Welcoming external experts and establishing forums
Key Takeaways for HR Professionals
- Invest in intentional culture-building aligned with business strategy
- Implement people-first policies that recognize individual needs
- Foster innovation and accountability among employees
- Develop comprehensive recognition and reward systems
- Balance flexibility with collaboration in work arrangements
- Prioritize employee health and wellbeing
- Drive EDI initiatives throughout the organization
By focusing on these areas, organisations can create a culture where both individuals and the company thrive together, leading to improved talent retention and overall business success.