Are you creating a startup? Perhaps you’re interested in fostering a company culture that will support and build creativity plus reduce burnout? Well, work culture is important for multiple reasons: one of the most practical is that reduced employee turnover is ultimately more profitable as less time and resources are shifted towards onboarding and can instead be invested in continuous employee training and product development.
Another reason is that, for those of us working in a full-time role, work tends to be the place we spend most of our waking hours. So having a positive culture contributes to an overall improvement in quality of life, and who doesn’t want that! However, how do you grow the culture at your startup? You’ll find a few ways to build your company culture below.
#1. Prioritize Employee Wellness
It is critical that employers and management teams consider and prioritize employee wellness. Not only does this stave off burnout, but it also fosters an environment in which people can engage in self-care and better contribute to their teams. During the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been working remotely at higher rates than ever before, and wellness has become even more critical.
Startups need to encourage employees to continue prioritizing wellness, whether through office-sponsored virtual happy hours or providing resources and encouragement to maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting active when working from home. Wellness matters, so find creative options for promoting activity and healthy habits among your staff.
#2. Invest in Human Resources
A huge part of creating a positive company culture has to do with the way teams are built and supported. Having clear roles, open lines of communication, and effective systems in place for hiring, training, and supporting staff all play a significant role in creating an environment in which employees feel valued and heard.
A solid human resources department can make all the difference in both constructing a work culture that is positive and supportive and bringing in new staff who contribute to teams in a favorable way. Using a workforce HRIS aids in the organization and effectiveness of a human resources program. This department of your startup plays such a significant role, so don’t skimp on the planning or investing of a human resources program.
#3. Establish Healthy Communication
There are several different suggestions and tips for starting a business; a crucial consideration is communication within the startup. Communication has so much power over the workplace culture. Communication styles play a role in problem-solving, expressing concerns or dissent, and collaboration among teams—all of these influence employee comfort and engagement with their role.
A worthwhile investment is in communication training. You might begin with funneling leadership and managers through these types of training, but it is also worthwhile to find ways for all employees to experience communication training. Creating consistency in communication expectations will positively contribute to developing an environment that prompts openness and employee satisfaction.
#4. Develop and Connect Team to Mission and Values
When developing a startup, it is paramount to have a clear written mission statement that aids in understanding the company’s values. It is equally important to engage employees in the mission and values of your startup.
An increasing number of employees are seeking out work that not only allows them to pay their bills but also provides the opportunity to do work that aligns with their own personal values.
Being able to attract staff who believe the same things that the company values will support a positive work culture. As your startup grows, the mission may grow with it, and being able to communicate the transformation of the mission and values to your teams will increase cohesion and respect.
Final Thoughts
All in all, founding a startup gives you an opportunity to make intentional choices from the beginning that will support the development of positive company culture. There are no negative consequences from a positive company culture! So, take steps to build a culture that supports the well-being of your staff and your business will benefit.
Related Articles
