Build Organizational Culture in 2021

Build Organizational

Culture In 2021

Void of espresso coffee machines and mid-day tennis table tournaments, we now need to concentrate on what employees genuinely want from their organization.

For years, individuals compared culture to employee benefits. We have seen trends including beer taps, pool tables, and wellness programs. Though, it is favored that employees concentrate on their objective over organizational benefits. Our co-workers appreciate a company’s values far more. Now that many offices remain closed through the coronavirus pandemic, the change of focus off benefits is taking shape. During an unprecedented time in our history that has brought on hardships, most of us have never faced our professional careers.

We want and need our organizations to succeed being placed under a magnifying glass. Organizations that emphasize compassion, humanity and transparency in communication to employees are the ones who have seen increases in employee commitment.

On a positive note, moving into 2021, we foresee a few areas of concentration that will become key in crafting a sound employee experience; and they do not require a considerable portion of an annual budget or even product. However, they do involve a solemn pledge from management.

Clear-cut and Dependable Communication

Employees would prefer information on lousy news to working each day in the dark, and the majority admit they are more valuable to an organization when knowledgeable. An employee’s retention and commitment increase when they have access to a leadership’s thought process and organizational performance numbers. When addressing your team on an energizing update or conveying a necessary adjustment, co-workers need to know what is coming and how they will be looked after. A successful approach includes always maintaining transparency to all, whether that be addressing a team all at once regularly, sending weekly email updates, or your version of an open-door policy.

Diversity & Inclusion Programming

Last year, employees turned to leadership for direction following prejudices within our social dynamic. How organizations feel about systemic racism and meaningful change within their communities and companies is on individuals’ minds across the United States. They want action, not just talk. They are watching organizational leaders see if they will not only get involved but deliver.

Work Schedule Flexibility

Where and how we work changed in 2020. With office and school closings, re-openings, government shutdowns, and changes due to quarantining believe it or not, we are all still getting used to what this means. When are we most productive? The answer is different for everyone based on your new schedule juggling the ins and outs of life. Not to mention setting up a new work environment. Organizations must invest in communication tools and resources to aid in our remote setting. Leadership, too, must determine new structures for performance standards.

Mental Health

We can only work to our best ability when we are in a good state of mind. To do so, we must take time to have conversations about health, both physically and mentally. Most of us would admit that the pandemic has affected us negatively in some regard. Leaders can build organizational culture by supporting employees in pushing back from the home office, getting outside, and clearing the mind. More than ever, especially when we are steering ourselves through a pandemic, employees will focus their attention on how an organization enthusiastically supports health efforts.

Forget the virus, stress, office closures, and life’s changes; creating an uplifting culture is the right thing to do. Organizational culture will always be about the subtle aspects – compassion shown, leadership offered, supported personal growth, and genuine kindness. So, to build a reputable culture, begin by listening to your employees and their needs.