Build a resilient company culture strategy
A company’s culture is like a person’s DNA. It defines identity, guides behaviour, and influences organizational success. However, many business leaders mistakenly believe that culture develops spontaneously, without the need for intentional strategy or oversight. The truth is that cultivating and maintaining a strong, thriving company culture requires deliberate planning and consistent measurement.
This blogpost explores the essentials of a thoughtful company culture strategy: what it is, why it matters, and how to recognize the early signs of toxic work behaviours. It also provides our experts’ strategies and practical tips to help create a workplace where employees want to thrive.
The business case for investing in a company culture strategy
Developing a company culture strategy isn’t just about improving employee wellness. It’s also a smart business move. Creating a positive and supportive environment helps drive performance, increase employee satisfaction, and achieve long-term success.
Increased profitability
Companies with strong workplace cultures consistently outperform their competitors. Organizations with a strong and well-defined company culture are more likely to achieve sustained revenue growth than those without clear cultural direction for their workers.
Reduced turnover costs
Losing employees is costly, both in obvious recruitment costs and in training and onboarding for replacements. Companies with strong cultures tend to see employee turnover rates lower than their peers.
Reduced absences
Burnout and toxic workplace behaviours can result in increased absenteeism, burdening teammates with extra responsibilities and jeopardizing project deadlines. A supportive work environment keeps employees motivated and engaged, reducing anxiety and stress. It also makes employees less likely to search for job opportunities elsewhere.
Consequences of a toxic company culture
Businesses without a clearly defined culture strategy risk creating an environment where disengagement and negativity take root. Here’s what can happen when company culture is left unchecked.
Decreased Employee Performance
When employees feel undervalued, their performance often declines, and they become increasingly disengaged from their responsibilities. These feelings may lead employees to seek opportunities elsewhere, further complicating efforts to recruit and retain top talent. This also creates a ripple effect, increasing the workload on remaining team members and contributing to higher absenteeism rates.
Damaged Reputation and Lost Trust
Employee reviews on platforms like Google, Glassdoor, and social media can heavily influence a company’s reputation. Negative feedback or viral videos, such as those highlighting health and safety issues, can lead to lost revenue, difficulty attracting top talent, compliance orders, and costly fines.
Workplace conflicts
Toxic workplace culture can lead to tension, team fractures, and reduced productivity. Issues like favouritism, microaggressions, and poor conflict resolution create an environment that doesn’t equip employees to succeed in their roles, resulting in lost talent and disengaged teams.
A toxic workplace culture significantly affects employee wellbeing, leading to stress, burnout, and decreased job satisfaction. It disrupts team cohesion and undermines organizational performance, resulting in higher turnover rates, reduced productivity, and diminished team morale.
What is a company culture strategy?
A company culture strategy outlines the attitudes, behaviours, and core principles that define how employees operate at an organization. From employee interactions to conflict management, a clear strategy promotes consistency, inclusivity, and alignment with organizational goals.
At its core, a culture strategy should attempt to answer these three questions:
- How do we treat our employees and clients?
- What behaviours and attitudes do we reward?
- How do we ensure inclusivity and diversity?
If it were easy to find answers to these questions, office perks like free coffee or pizza parties would be all you need. But as with any strategy, planning and tactics are necessary for success.
A great strategy covers every part of the employee experience: recruitment, onboarding, training, DEI, and everything in between. At its core, building a strong culture is all about making employees feel valued and heard. When people feel appreciated and listened to, engagement increases, trust builds, and your organization positions itself for sustained long-term success.
Why you need a company culture strategy
Believing that culture is an intangible aspect that doesn’t require attention couldn’t be further from the truth. Without a strategy, a workplace culture is reactive rather than purposeful. Launching a culture strategy is a vital step for any organization committed to value-based growth. Here are some key elements every workplace culture strategy should incorporate to drive meaningful results while remaining aligned with your organization’s core values:
Retention and talent attraction
Top talent isn’t just searching for high salaries. They’re looking for purpose, growth, and a great work–life balance. Flexible working options, training and development initiatives, and employee recognition programs ensure your workplace becomes a magnet for the best minds.
Employee engagement
When employees feel aligned with your company’s values and vision, they feel connected to the greater purpose and are more inclined to perform. Disengagement doesn’t just hurt morale, it hinders productivity and efficiency.
Adaptability
In challenging times, organizations with strong workplace cultures are better equipped to face challenges. When employees are engaged and collaborate effectively, they’re ready to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives together.
Enhanced client experience
A strong company culture looks both inwards and outwards. Thriving employees are far likelier to deliver exceptional value to clients. Organizations with highly engaged teams often experience improved customer retention and increased satisfaction.
How Citation Canada can help
Transform your organization’s culture with our award-winning HR solutions. Our immersive online training courses and monthly webinars led by industry experts provide the insights and knowledge to ensure your workforce has what it needs to thrive and fulfil compliance requirements. Get the latest HR content, intuitive HR software, and a secure human resources information system (HRIS) with our convenient monthly pricing options.
Looking to get started now? Launch a workplace culture strategy that makes a difference!
Every company’s culture tells a story, so what’s the story your people tell their families and friends? Investing in a strong company culture gives your team tools to retain top talent, outperform competitors, and drive sustainable growth.
Schedule a free demo today and explore how we can help with:
- Customized culture assessments
- Mission-aligned strategy development
- Leadership training programs
- Tools for sustained culture growth
- Compliance guidance and expertise