You may know that company culture is essential to keeping your employees satisfied, but transforming your culture may be easier said than done.  It can be difficult to figure out what would actually make your employees happier and more engaged at work, especially in the long-term.  While free snacks or happy hours may work for a while, company culture goes far deeper than that.  To build a positive company culture that keeps the best employees satisfied, start by addressing these 5 elements:

 

A positive company culture is an important aspect of keeping your best employees satisfied. But, how can you actually transform your culture to create a working environment that talented professionals want to be a part of? Many employers may think that free snacks or the occasional party will be enough to entice top talent, but true company culture goes deeper than these superficial offerings.

By emphasizing these 5 elements of a great company culture, you’ll be able to not only attract, but retain top talent!

Strong Company Values

Every organization is founded on a shared set of values that inform how the company operates. Not only is this shown through a company mission statement, but also in the daily practices of every employee. Be sure to reflect back on those values, and consider how employees can consistently portray them in their day-to-day operations.

Trust & Transparency

Employees value honesty and consistent feedback from their managers. Employers who work to improve communication with their staff will be more likely to earn their trust and create better working relationships. Not only does this contribute to an open and honest company culture, but it can increase productivity and morale as well.

Emphasis On Work-life Balance

Employees rate flexible scheduling and greater vacation allowance as the top two items that would make them happier at their current company. You can encourage a healthy work-life balance by emphasizing employee wellness, either through flexible scheduling or other programs like classes or incentives that promote employee health. Not only does this create a more positive environment, but it lets your employees know that you care about their well-being.

Emphasis On Professional Development

76% of millennials said that professional development opportunities are one of the most important elements of company culture. To prepare millennials for leadership roles, it is important to offer meaningful professional development opportunities for younger employees. This could be through hands-on projects, promotions, mentoring programs, or online courses.

Exemplary Leadership

Always keep in mind that culture starts from the top down. If an employee sees their manager or supervisor behaving in a certain way, they are likely to mimic that attitude. 42% of employees feel that executive leadership does not contribute to a positive company culture. Examine the practices of your upper management to be sure that they are an exemplary model of a positive employee.