We all want to create a better place to work. In fact, it’s in our very DNA here at PerkSpot as we stand by the mission to “inspire employees everywhere to love where they work”.
In light of this goal, what can we as managers, human resource officers, or even individual contributors do to make every place a great place to work?
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of Great Company Culture:
Do Keep Your Values in Check
From planning a meeting to working on an article, it’s vital that your values stay at the forefront of what you do at work. Our values at PerkSpot are “we aim high”, “we stay humble”, “we value people”, and “we have fun”. They are practical and applicable in almost every situation. If your values aren’t serving you and your company in the same way, consider revamping them or find ways to live these out on a daily basis.
Don’t Micromanage
Think you’re not a micromanager? Here are a few signs you might be more than you think:
You’re never quite satisfied with deliverables.
You are often frustrated at the way the work is completed.
You take pride and/or pain in making corrections.
You constantly want to know where your team members are and what they’re working on.
You prefer to be CC’d on emails.
Do Communicate
While you shouldn’t micromanage, it’s still important to communicate clearly with your employees. Need help? Start by explaining the “why”, not just the “what”. It may seem frustrating that you have to spend time explaining why something needs to happen (especially when you’re the boss!). However, taking an extra five minutes to explain the reasoning behind what you’re doing will not only save you time in the long run but will empower your employees or coworkers to own the task at hand. They’ll produce better work when they feel ownership and responsibility, which is the key to a great culture.
Don’t Think Corporate Jargon Makes You “Cool”
Have you ever been in an interview or a meeting where the person spouted off an endless string of pretentious (and meaningless) words? Corporate jargon is a trap many companies fall into, but in the end, does nothing for company culture. Avoid using buzzwords and say what you mean. This will help you communicate more clearly and also seem more approachable to prospective employees.
Do Keep Learning
One of the marks of a great company culture is one that fosters an environment of learning and professional development. After all, we never stop learning and growing and that’s exactly why we go to work in the first place! The best place to start is with yourself: grab a book, take a class, and encourage others to go with you. Hunger for growth is contagious.
Don’t Try to Be an Expert at Everything
Just like there is a little bit of micromanager in all of us, there is also a desire to be an expert at everything. This type of drive can be great when it comes to wanting to learn and grow. However, we can often overdo it by trying to be the very best at everything. It’s important to recognize and depend on your team to provide their expertise and to try to hone your skills in your area. We aren’t saying you can’t always get better at excel, even as a creative, or take a painting class as an accountant. Learning opposite skills is great, but thinking you’ll be the very best at everything is just plain wrong. Not only that, but it can cause tension when others are not given the opportunity to also show their strengths.
These are just a few tips to make your company culture stand out. What ways are you making your office a better place to work? Leave us a note in the comments!
