By Bizna Brand Analyst
There is nothing worse than working in an organization that has a bad culture. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or how many weeks of leave you are given; when you work in a toxic environment, you still come home tense and stressed at the end of each day. And that isn’t worth it.
On the other hand, there is nothing better than working at an organization with a great culture. You wake up every day looking forward to getting back to work on the mission with people you enjoy being around.
I’m sure this list isn’t exhaustive, but here are signs that a great culture exists in your organization or company:
PEOPLE ARE WAITING IN LINE TO JOIN YOUR TEAM
It’s not because you are offering more money than they could find somewhere else. Many times the pay is less. But people have heard about your team, and they would give anything to be a part of it.
EMPLOYEES RARELY QUIT
You should especially pay attention to this in entry-level and mid-level jobs. Often top leaders will stay forever because it’s safe and the pay is good. But if you see people staying for an unexpectedly long time in customer care, accounting or other low paying departments, you are probably looking at a healthy culture.
TOP LEADERS ARE NOT INSECURE ABOUT OTHER LEADERS SUCCEEDING
In fact, they encourage it.l..
TEAM MEMBERS ARE ENERGIZED BY THE MISSION
You hear leaders at all levels of the organization talking about the mission. It gives them energy, and they are constantly thinking of ways to get it done.
IT’S NOT JUST A JOB. IT’S A LIFESTYLE
People go to movies, hang out at one another’s homes, eat lunch togethjer and sometimes even go for holiday together. This doesn’t mean they don’t have other friends, but they really enjoy the company of the people they work with.
THE TEAM BELIEVES THEY ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE TASK
There is a sense that, as employees, they really matter. They aren’t just people filling tasks; but the culture, systems, language, and structure communicate value. Even in tough times with salary freezes or benefit changes, the vibe is still, “You matter!”
PEOPLE ARE SMILING
Walk the corridors and you will see people smiling, making jokes. enjoying conversations, and having a good time in the midst of high productivity and intense focus.
FEAR IS MISSING
People don’t fret if they say the wrong thing in front of the wrong person. There aren’t hushed conversations because of the fear of what will happen if they are overheard. Employees in an organization with a great culture can walk into the boss’s office with a concern and walk out knowing they were heard.
COMMUNICATION IS STRONG
From the top to the bottom, people communicate. The staff isn’t surprised with information they didn’t hear until it was announced at a meeting. It is communicated well in advance, with leaders even asking the staff to help find solutions.
CHANGE IS WELCOME
People aren’t afraid of change. It’s not that everyone likes change, but most have been through it so many times and have seen the leaders manage change with care and dignity that they no longer dread it. Identifying the evidences of a great culture is all fine and good.
This list might be discouraging if you aren’t working in an environment with such a healthy culture. To that person I would suggest: You have the power to change the culture, one day at a time! Building a healthy culture starts with a few determined people.
In just one department, in one corner of the building, a new culture can begin to emerge. As others interact with the healthy department, they are attracted to it. At their core, no one wants to live in a culture of negativity. People want to love their job. They might not know how to act in a positive environment, and they might resist as you call them out of a place of mediocrity, but ultimately love and positivity always wins out.
Get with others who have the same desire, and take that first step!