In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business world, creating and maintaining an engaging work culture is more challenging than ever. According to SHRM, 90% of workers who rate their work culture as poor have thought about quitting. Not a shock, right? But among workers who have rated their workplace culture as average, a whopping 72% have still thought about quitting. Today, being average is simply not enough. Whether companies have employees working in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid structure, it's crucial to prioritize a culture where employees feel motivated, appreciated, and fulfilled.
In this episode of our Back to Work podcast series, our host, Joe McIntyre, and Kayla Lebovits, CEO and Founder of Bundle, explore the key factors that contribute to an engaging work culture and discuss insights on how HR professionals can foster a sense of belonging, work-life balance, recognition, and assess employee engagement in the workplace.
Listen To The Full Podcast Episode
Defining Workplace Culture
Workplace culture is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Each company can and should have its own unique culture. However, a modern workplace culture should focus on key areas such as innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, diversity and inclusion, supportiveness, transparency, and fun. Keying in on what elements make up your culture now and what elements define your ideal culture in the future is critical. Embracing who you are as an organization contributes to a positive and engaging work environment where employees can thrive.
Evaluating Workplace Culture
Determining whether a workplace culture is great, good, or in need of improvement can be difficult. It all depends on who you ask. However, signs of a positive culture can be observed through effective communication, collaborative teamwork, transparent leadership, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. These factors, when aligned, contribute to higher productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success. If one or more of these signs are missing, it’s time to step back and figure out what’s going wrong.
Measuring and Assessing Through Employee Engagement
Measuring and assessing employee engagement is essential for understanding the health of a work culture. Employee surveys should be conducted regularly, providing insights into employee satisfaction and happiness. Additionally, retention rates, productivity levels, and employee participation in initiatives beyond their roles can serve as indicators of engagement. Gathering data and feedback allows organizations to identify areas for improvement and take appropriate actions to strengthen the work culture.
Maintaining Engaging Work Culture in a Remote and Hybrid World
In remote and hybrid work environments, maintaining an engaging work culture can be particularly challenging. Key strategies include effective communication, fostering a sense of community, and providing growth opportunities. Encouraging collaboration, transparency, and celebrating milestones and achievements can help employees feel connected, motivated, and engaged.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Creating and maintaining an engaging work culture is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, improving productivity, and fostering employee satisfaction and happiness. It requires the active involvement of leaders, effective communication, ongoing assessment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By prioritizing a positive work culture, organizations can unlock the full potential of their employees and drive long-term success.
Check out the full podcast episode to learn even more from Kayla Lebovits about the key factors that contribute to an engaging work culture
