Many companies talk about the “positive startup culture” of their workplace and the environment that employees participate in. But what is a startup culture, and is it really necessary to the overall success of a company? The simple answer is that a positive startup culture is the key to the relationships that are formed between company, employees, and customers.
Why is a Positive Startup Culture Important?
A positive startup culture is important because it is the set of shared company values and beliefs that shapes the employee/employer relationship. This culture places important value on the employee, as well as the customer. A startup culture encourages open communication, balance of work-life, security, and benefits. This culture also invests in the growth of their employees and helps to develop career paths that will lead to advancements within the company. All of these factors help to build and foster a relationship that focuses on loyalty to the company by the employees.
Creating a positive startup culture within a company will empower the employees to perform at a higher rate and, ultimately, increase production for the company. When employees feel heard and valued, they will work to bring others into the company that can carry out the image that is being represented. Employees that share common beliefs and values tend to work well together and accomplish goals that are set by the company.
How to Build a Positive Startup Culture
Now that the “Why” of having a positive culture has been established, it is time to discover how to build and maintain the positive startup culture that is needed for success. Here are a few guidelines to develop a positive culture within a business:
● Define your values: The culture of a business is defined by its values. The values that are set should not be looked at as rules, but as the acceptable nature of the environment of the company. Leading by example will promote the values that are encouraged. For example, if the company is strict about work-life balance, then as a manager, maintain and adhere to the work hours that have been published.
● Strong Communication: Employees want and need to know the happenings of the company that they work for. So whenever possible, upper management needs to convey plans, conversations and growth to employees. This will help to abate any unnecessary rumors and help strengthen the culture that is being built.
● Encourage Professional Growth: Building opportunities for growth and advancement within the company will attract new candidates and retain the employees that are currently with the company. When an employee believes that the company has a desire to continue the working relationship, it will result in a higher level of productivity and loyalty.
● Employee Benefits: An easy way to bolster positivity within your workplace is to strengthen the benefits that are given to the employees. A positive culture helps to create a sense of community. This can range from insurance needs to the happiness of their workspace. Offering an employee the opportunity to work from home and/or commuting to the office will give them the work-life balance benefit and help eliminate stress.
Final Thought
The workplace is an ever fluid and changing environment. A company’s ability to adapt and improvise will perpetuate the growth and success of the company. Conducting ongoing surveys, feedback forms, and leadership panels will allow management to assess the culture of the workplace and amend policies and values as needed. Recognizing and embracing a positive startup culture within the workplace will benefit the company, the employee, and ultimately, the customer.