Another year is right around the corner. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about and planning your company culture for 2020. Maybe you have a great foundation in place and you’re looking to build on that or maybe you’ve only recently heard this ‘buzz word’. Regardless of what stage you’re in, here’s a few actionable, specific tips to help you get started.
Think Outside the Box
Thoroughly do your research – what’s trending right now that you aren’t embracing? What are your employees or teams asking for that you’ve tuned out this year? Tap into the younger generation and even younger companies to look for inspiration. Then, take their strategies and implement based on your processes. For example, you could survey the younger teams in the office to see what kind of activities or support they would want to see at your organization. It could be a better work/life balance or even putting together a wellness program. You have resources at your disposal, so use them!
Set Micro Goals
The bigger picture is important, but don’t let it distract you from the day to day. Company culture must be engrained in the day to day, that’s the beauty of it. It’s not an overarching yearly goal that you may or may not achieve. It’s day in and day out the environment of your organization. Do you celebrate your wins? Do people feel trusted, respected and encouraged at work? It’s important to set micro goals and stick to them to the best of your ability. Maybe it’s a weekly email thread where you celebrate your highs and lows or maybe it’s a monthly employee spotlight. It’s important to be consistent and micro goals can help you get there.
Leave Room for Innovation
Don’t knock something until you try it. Every person and every team is different so it’s important to be willing to try new things to improve your company culture. For example, this recent survey about the lives of gamers shows that the study participants believe gaming fosters productivity. In fact, 54 percent of respondents playing online games at work. Can you say game room?! Culture is ever-evolving and you might learn something in Q1 that you need to change for Q2. Or something might be taking hold and you want to take it a step further. Leave room in your plan for these kinds of changes.
Prep Your Teams
Once you’ve decided on a plan, sit down with your stakeholders or other leaders and get them on board. It takes everyone–from the top down–to change or shift a company’s culture. Research, brainstorm, put pen to paper and then train accordingly. Teach every team member what’s expected and how they can help achieve your vision. If everyone buys in, you will be successful and reap the benefits!
Planning your company culture won’t happen overnight but as we look toward 2020, now is as good of time as ever.
