Laura Bunn explores company culture at roadchef and the role of HR in ensuring it meets the needs of business.
A strong company culture is a game changer for any organization. It is the invisible force which shapes how people interact, work together to solve problems and feel when they come to work. Too often, this invisible force is undervalued or misunderstood. This lack of recognition can lead to disengagement, reduced enthusiasm and increased turnover, which are costly outcomes for any company.
Fostering a positive company culture isn’t about just improving employee morale. It’s also about creating the foundation for sustainable business success. What does culture mean in the context of a company? How can leaders create it or transform? What tangible benefits can businesses expect?
Company culture is the set of shared values, beliefs and practices that govern how people work together within an organization. It is the unwritten rules for how employees communicate, collaborate and make decisions. The culture of a workplace can make the difference between one that feels supportive, and another that feels transactional.
Strong company cultures are not created by accident – they are deliberately nurtured. It all starts by aligning the culture with organisational value. These values need to be reflected in all aspects of business, whether the focus is innovation, service excellence or sustainability. Culture suffers when there is a disconnect between the company’s words and actions.
Create a strong culture
A healthy culture is built by aligning the values of a company with its daily actions. Leaders are responsible for setting the tone: Are decisions made with fairness in mind? Employees are recognised for their contribution. If collaboration is a value that leaders hold dear, they should encourage cross-departmental initiatives and reward teamwork.
It is important to have an active communication and to actively seek to understand the needs of your employees to make your organization a better workplace. Even though formal meetings and town halls have their place in the workplace, informal moments are just as important. Listening sessions, surveys, and check-ins can give you valuable insight into the feelings of employees and their barriers.
In order to create a strong company culture, it is important that the culture be embedded into all aspects of employee life. The recruitment process should be based on cultural priorities, and not just technical skills. Onboarding should be a genuine introduction to the company for new employees, and not merely procedural. All employees should feel valued and heard. They also need the right tools to be successful. Culture thrives when employees feel supported and respected.
DEI is an important component. The key component of this is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Enhancing and maintaining a top-class company culture
To improve a company’s culture, you need a clear vision and honest assessment. You also need a complete commitment, from the top down, of your organisation.
It is also important to embed cultural change in systems and processes. If inclusivity is the goal, for example, you should review your hiring practices, career paths, and leadership development to make sure they are aligned. Leaders should model the behaviors they want their teams to exhibit, even if it is difficult. Authenticity builds trust in leadership and accelerates culture change.
It’s not a task that can be completed in a single day. It is important to continually evaluate and re-evaluate your processes. It is important to maintain a feedback loop with your employees to remain aware of their changing needs and challenges. This helps you ensure that your policies support your employees effectively while meeting the demands of an ever-changing work environment and a dynamic job marketplace.
Benefits of a vibrant culture
Positive company culture has measurable results. Motivated employees are more inclined to collaborate, innovate and promote the organization externally. It is impossible to overstate the importance of workplace culture and employee engagement. In the current job market, employers can’t ignore their employer brand and create a workplace where team members thrive.
Culture has an impact on people that goes beyond business metrics. Doing good makes me feel good. A supportive workplace fosters professional development, improves mental health, and creates an overall sense of belonging. Feeling valued encourages employees to be their best selves at work. This leads to increased productivity and creativity.
Culture doesn’t happen overnight and it’s never ‘finished.’ Culture is a continuous evolution that requires attention, care, and intention. Leaders must decide how to shape the culture of their company.
