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Examples of good company cultures and why culture matters

by Seth Bodin

There’s a reason company culture matters, and it’s not just because good company culture makes employees happy. Culture can make or break a company, and it’s vital organisations get it right. Here we look at examples of good company cultures and explain the board’s role in setting the tone from the top.

For one, it can directly affect employee productivity. And secondly, strong company culture can help your business attract new talent, which is especially important in today’s competitive job market. This article will discuss why company culture matters and why it is so important. We will also provide tips on creating a solid company culture to help your business thrive

What is company culture?

Let’s talk about what is a company’s culture. The values and beliefs shared by managers, workers, and other staff members are reflected externally to customers and clients. The company culture is the organisation’s personality, which defines the environment in which employees work.

Company culture shapes how employees think, feel, and behave. It can be a positive or negative force in the workplace. A strong culture can be a significant competitive advantage. And you know what? A company’s culture illustrates the rules, from monitoring how people work daily to doing different hiring practices. 

Good culture is vital for startups

Culture is essential for any organisation, but it’s vital for startups. 

A strong culture can help a startup succeed where other companies have failed because it gives employees a shared sense of purpose and helps them stay focused on the company’s goals.

A good culture also attracts top talent and keeps employees happy and engaged. Employees who feel like they’re part of a positive, supportive culture are more likely to be productive and loyal to their company.

What happens if there is a bad culture?

Think of growing a plant in a toxic environment; the plant will ultimately die due to a lack of necessities. That’s a metaphor for bad workplace culture. This culture will not kill them physically but will fail to bring the best out of you and drive them to find other jobs. 

Employees may become disgruntled and less productive, impacting the bottom line. Additionally, negative company culture can attract lousy publicity, further damaging the business’s reputation. Finally, toxic company culture can create an environment where employees will not apply, leading to a shortage of talent and skills.

Examples of good company cultures

Google

Google has a well-known and highly respected company culture. They are known for their focus on innovation, creativity, and collaboration. 

Their employees are given a lot of freedom to experiment, and they are encouraged to think outside the box. Google is also known for its excellent benefits, including free food and unlimited vacation days.

Microsoft

For Microsoft’s CEO, the primary concern is not to create new products, but to develop innovative minds through empathy. Employees are encouraged to learn from real-life lessons that help them see things from others’ viewpoints.

Microsoft takes its employees out of their comfort zones. Management understands employees have dreams outside the four walls of the company and allows them time and space to pursue their goals.

Apple

Apple is one of the largest and most profitable companies globally, and its success is mainly due to its strong company culture. Apple is known for its innovative and design-focused products, and its company culture reflects these values. Employees at Apple are passionate about their work and constantly push themselves to innovate and create the best products possible.

What role does the board play in managing company culture?

There is no exaggeration in saying that the organisation’s culture is the responsibility of board members. They hold the authority and accountability of the whole business; therefore, their aim should be to monitor the culture.

Board members must know about all the company’s cultural norms and have studied examples of good company cultures. The board sets the tone for the organisation and guides the company’s values.

Besides this, the board also oversees the CEO and other senior leaders and can hold them accountable for creating a positive and productive work environment.
In addition, the board can provide input on HR policies and practices and help resolve conflicts within the organisation.

Ultimately, the board plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture and ensuring that it aligns with its strategic goals.

Conclusion

So, why does company culture matter? Simply put, it’s because strong company culture is indicative of a well-run and successful business. It can help attract the best employees, keep current employees satisfied and motivated, and foster a positive reputation in the community and among customers. 

Tags
Company Culture
ESG
Strategy