A recent study by Speakap discusses the importance company culture has on improving employee loyalty and relationships.  Speakap describes workplace culture as “the sum of a company’s values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviors, and attitudes.”  According to Speakap, “When a company makes a serious commitment and takes pride in how its values and beliefs are embodied throughout its workforce, it can attract top-notch talent, increase happiness, create a sense of fulfilment, positively impact performance and ultimately, improve employee relationships, loyalty and retention.”

The study, entitled “The Culture Factor:  Improving Employee Loyalty & Relationships,” found that 79% of U.S. respondents said that company culture is important to them and more than half said they would rather work 60 hours per week than work at a company that doesn’t value culture.

The survey asked respondents various questions, with the top responses being noted below.

• “Which one of the following is the most important attribute of a strong culture?”
  • Respect and fairness (34%)
  • Trust and integrity (21%)
• “Which one of the following makes you feel connected to a company’s culture during the first 30 days?”
  • Sharing organization’s mission, vision, and values (24%)
  • Being invited to participate in multiple onboarding/training sessions (19%)
  • Being assigned a buddy/mentor prior to the first day (16%)
  • Being invited to communicate with colleagues prior to the first day (15%)
    • TIP: Invite new hires to attend onboarding sessions to introduce new hires to the company’s mission and values, organizational structure, payroll/benefits, etc.
    • TIP: Assign the new hire a buddy/mentor prior to the first day of work to answer any questions they might have about the company’s culture, protocols, and anything else they want to know.
• “Which one of the following makes you feel connected to a company after the first 30 days?”
  • Ongoing job guidance and support (28%)
  • Positive recognition and rewards (21%)
  • Shift/schedule flexibility (15%)
    • TIP: Set up personalized training sessions that are specific to the new hire’s responsibilities.
    • TIP: Set up 30, 60, and 90-day check-ins to discuss the new hire’s experience, including challenges and feedback.
• “How much of an impact do each of the following factors have on your job satisfaction?
  • Job security (74% responded that it had high impact)
  • Appreciation for work (73%)
  • Good Work-life balance (71%)
• “What’s your biggest complaint about your relationship with your direct/line manager?”
  • Lack of guidance and support (12%)
  • Clear instructions not provided for tasks (12%)
    • TIP: Communicate clearly, honestly and frequently, and create a safe place for feedback
• “What is the biggest detriment to workplace bonds/ relationships?”
  • Poor/lack of internal communications (22%)
  • Lack of team unity (21%)
  • Toxic company culture (19%)

Let HEC help you work on your company culture, through our training programs, including workshops on productive conflict, collaboration, management, leadership, and teamwork.