One of the biggest challenges in running a small business is finding the right people. This is especially true with the many fluctuations in the market over the past few years. Finding people with the right skills and experience is hard enough, but finding the ones that understand the goals of the business and who will help the business grow can be the real challenge in hiring. It can be made easier, though, by deciding upon the shared values and standards that will be used to operate the company. There are also tangible benefits in having a company with a strong and positive company culture experience.
Company culture fosters increased employee engagement by creating a sense of belonging and purpose. When they enjoy their work, they contribute more and provide improved productivity with collaboration, innovation, and high performance. And when employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to stay with the company. This leads to reduced turnover and greater continuity in operations. A culture in alignment will also remain focused and stay on course, even during challenging times, and will enable the business to achieve objectives with unity and purpose.
A natural byproduct of an organization that lives by its values and standards is that it starts to become a magnet for like-minded talent. Companies with a reputation for a positive work culture are more likely to attract skilled professionals who are aligned with the company's goals and mission. This helps in building a talented team that can drive the business forward.
The concept of “the customer is always right” has shifted over the years to move towards “the employee is always right”. This isn’t to say we’re giving up on customers, but rather that we realize our employees are a direct reflection of the company to the customers and that employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to want to provide better service and an overall better customer experience. And this improved experience is valuable: customers are willing to pay more for products and services while having more loyalty to and trust in the brand.
A strong company culture is no longer just a nice-to-have but a critical component to operating and growing a small business. It influences every aspect of the organization, from employee satisfaction and productivity to customer loyalty and business resilience. This is why every business should prioritize cultivating and nurturing a positive company culture as they strive for growth and success.
- John Thrush