Business Tips
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CULTURE CLUB The concept of culture in the workplace sounds like something only massive corporates focus on, but this is not the case, writes LAUREN GIBSON.
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ccording to the dictionary definition, culture in the workplace is the ‘ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society’. Loosely translated, this means the ‘way things are done here’ and speaks to how your
business or organisation carries itself both internally (to your staff and the engagement thereof) and externally (with your customers, consumers and clients). No matter the size of your business, you should be creating a culture in your workplace and may have already done so without even realising it. The internal and external environment of culture in the workplace is also interlinked. If there is a toxic or negative culture in the workplace, this could have a spill over effect on your external clients, which is something they will pick up when engaging with your employees, or visiting your salon or spa. One impacts the other, so a happy strong culture means happy employees and therefore, happy guests or clients.
Value alignment Culture determines the value alignment between the organisation and the people working in it. So not only does having a strong organisational culture speak to your brand power and business strength, it also aligns employees to your business vision and mission to ensure results are delivered. The upside of a powerful organisational culture means it can also attract external consumers to your business and is often part of the reason that they turn into loyal clients over time.
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Sense of belonging Many research articles on culture and followers (in this case your clients) have shown that consumers are attracted to where they feel they belong, and to a certain set of values, tangible appreciation and genuine care. This speaks right into our industry and businesses.
Review As the world and industries change, it is often important to review your organisational culture (just as you should frequently review your business) and see what changes need to be made to ensure incremental improvements. A question to ask yourself is: Do I understand the current mindset and culture in my business? And where does it need to change or shift towards? If you can answer that question – great! This means that you are tuned into your people and what your business requires. But, if you cannot answer that question, it means you get the opportunity to dive deep into your business culture with the chance to stop, pivot and make the necessary changes to rebuild your culture and way of doing things. I encourage you to start by asking yourself the above question. It will allow you to either tick off that you have a strong culture in your workplace, or it will allow you to create one. Jump in and enjoy the discovery. PB Lauren Gibson has over 15 years of experience in the professional skincare industry. Having been in strategy and management for the last six years with Dermalogica, she is passionate about coaching, self-care and forward thinking in businesses. Gibson has completed her PG Diploma in Management Practice with UCT GSB and looks forward to a new career internationally. laurenleigh.gibson@gmail.com
