Why is Supportive Organizational Culture Important?

Like human beings have traits and characteristics that define them, the same concept applies to an organization. Every company has its beliefs, values, morals, and expectation system that guide the actions of each staff member and helps them to make informed decisions.

Are you wondering “How can I foster positive work culture?” or “Why does it matter if I have a supportive workplace culture or not?” Whether it is a large organization or a small business, supportive organizational culture is crucial as it creates unity and influences the employees' actions.

What is Organizational Culture?

Organizational culture is described as the values, mission, goals, attitudes, and objectives that characterize the organization. It provides structure because there are established systems that improve employee productivity, engagement, and performance. The culture plays into the organization’s identity, and organizations that devote time and effort to their culture tend to be more successful, as they strive for continuous improvement.

The Importance of Organizational Culture

There are plenty of reasons for the benefits and importance of supportive company culture. Here are some ways the company’s culture uplifts the organization:

Increased Employee Engagement

Organizations with supportive organizational culture inspire and motivate their employees to be passionate about the company, as well as their work duties and roles. They also feel more connected to the organization. This, in turn, can lead to higher levels of employee engagement among your workforce, which drives productivity. An organization that has strong connections with its employees creates a sense of positivity that cannot be ignored.

Decreased Turnover

While not everyone can fit into your company’s culture, your job is to create one that promotes inclusivity and diversity. Having a strong, supportive organizational culture aligns your core values, beliefs, and mission firmly, and can keep employees engaged. The opposite can cause employees to leave and seek work elsewhere. Employees who are happy and feel respected and valued are less likely to quit.

Company culture plays a huge role in employee retention, as employees who establish connections and good work relationships feel more at home. This saves the organization time and money in the recruitment process.

Strong Brand Identity

A company’s organizational culture signifies its reputation and public image. Persons tend to make assumptions based on the inside interactions. If things appear weak and dysfunctional, customers may be hesitant to conduct business with you instead of a company that has a strong organizational culture. The culture attracts new employees and more business that supports your brand.

Companies should pay more attention to the importance of supportive company culture. This strong brand gives you a competitive advantage over other establishments that may even offer similar services and products. Once people are certain you can satisfy them, your organizational culture is strong, and your employees are dedicated, they tend to make you their choice for conducting business.

Operative Onboarding

Though traditional onboarding practices are common among businesses, effective onboarding has the potential to increase employee retention, as new employers feel a sense of belonging and integration through any of the following practices:

• Buddy systems
• Orientation
• Performance management courses
• Training programs

An organization with a supportive culture incorporates new staff members and assists them in learning and understanding the company’s values and mission. Therefore, they feel like a part of the team.

Increased Productivity

A supportive workplace culture ensures employees have all the tools and resources needed to be successful, which increases performance and boosts productivity levels. This kind of culture has a way of bringing people with similar skill sets together. People who have the same skills and background have a likely chance of working well together tackling projects.

Employees who are happy, satisfied, and engaged are more productive, as the company culture dictates the workplace structure, treatment, and compensation. A supportive culture believes in employees’ perks, which influence employee happiness, engagement, and productivity. It also improves employee’s ability to tend to customers.

Healthy Work Environment

Having a healthy team environment and supportive workplace culture is important to a successful business. Organizational culture aids in the workflow, overcoming hurdles of ambiguity, and guides decision-making. Employees who are aware and informed about the work process are more likely to complete projects. Additionally, investing in furniture that supports ergonomic principles can help workers from a health perspective. If you are working from home, it should matter no less. Equipment, such as a home office standing desk or a home ergonomic chair (specifically the Kinn Chair) can help to improve your working conditions at home, making it feel comfortable and increase your productivity.

Recommendations to Maintain Supportive Company Culture

Organizational culture is much more than establishing a fun working atmosphere. It signifies the heart and soul of your business. So, take it seriously, and if you are not sure how to start, just think about the basics. “What is the business about?” “What message should employees convey? “What are important factors to the business?” The answers here contribute to building company culture.

As a manager you can follow these steps to maintain your existing culture:

Effective communication

Avoid and solve miscommunication, as this can be the main reason a person becomes unsatisfied, frustrated, and starts searching for jobs elsewhere. Be clear when speaking, sending emails, and giving instructions, provide additional information and specific examples in explaining. Encourage employees to ask questions and find simpler ways to convey information.

Pay even more attention when there’s a location barrier, as miscommunication is a huge remote management mistake.

Listen to the Ideas and Concerns

Make considerations for employees by providing a platform or outlet that is easy for them to share their thoughts and opinions. Have one-on-one sessions with each team or department, allowing them to speak freely about sensitive matters. Employees feel valued when they know they can come whenever they have questions, get clarity, and not be shunned.

Encourage Feedback

If there is something about the company that needs to be addressed, provide feedback on the issue, and encourage others to do so as well. If your organization has a policy that governs feedback, use it. Remember to be honest and professional. Give details, come up with solutions, and be open to suggestions.

Consistency

Being consistent in your efforts shows stability. Once you have a culture in place, stick by it. Do everything in your power to maintain policies, procedures, and processes. Avoid preferential treatment, be fair, and treat everyone with the same professionalism.

These are just a few of the reasons why a supportive organizational culture is so important. No matter what the nature of your field is, culture plays a big part in your customer satisfaction, productivity, employee enrichment, and success.