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5 Practical Strategies to Foster a Positive Work Culture in Your Organization

Cherie Neyrey

Over the last few decades we’ve seen amazing things happen for companies with a strong culture. I’m talking Southwest Airlines, Zappos, Google, IBM and other great brands. Even in hard times, economic pressures and layoffs, they stood strong on a foundation of principle-centered leadership. And it is evident that a solid mission, vision, and leadership principles are crucial for steering the organization towards success. These statements not only shape the company's goals and culture but should also guide the everyday actions of employees at all levels. I’ve also seen companies who have all of the “words on the wall” but the culture falls flat when it comes to the intersection of employee and guest experience. 


So, what’s the rub? Gut check time - when was the last time you asked a front line employee about your company’s promises to your customer? When was the last time you got the “right” answer? If you’re like, “Yesterday,” you can quit reading now…you don’t need this blog. But I find most companies DO need to revisit their cultural health at least a few times a year. The world is changing at lightening speed. Companies who do a great job with culture understand that in order to make culture resonate at the front line level they must connect the dots between beliefs and behaviors. 


Here are a few steps to great company culture:


  • Articulate and communicate your mission, vision and values. Claim it loud and proud, especially in hard times. Here’s an example. One company, known for their amazing culture, laid off dozens of employees after a record-setting profit year. Tenured employees, recently laid off, helped those who stayed minimize their “survivors guilt” by maintaining how well they’d been treated, how the company understood their unique situations and provided support for them to reach their long-term goals.


  • Use your culture language in EVERYTHING from recruiting materials to promotional customer-facing copy. Your customer and your staff should know exactly what you stand for. If you can create alignment between what your culture “says” and what your company “does” you are winning! The average worker wants to feel part of something they can be proud to represent. Psst…happy employees make happy customers. If this step doesn’t come naturally it may be time to revisit the culture. (Shameless plug: We help companies do that, by the way.)


  • Recognize the behaviors that you WANT others to emulate. This may sound like a no-brainer, but I’m surprised by how often this is a whiff. Your employees want to know that you know they love the culture and want to do a great job. For example, if exceptional customer service is a core principle, employees should prioritize customer satisfaction by going above and beyond to resolve issues, offering personalized recommendations, or simply greeting customers with a smile. Praise them when they do the things your customers rave about.


  • Keep learning. A successful culture isn’t built overnight. Get your employees involved. Employees should feel empowered to suggest new ideas, improve processes, and outshine the competition. This might mean suggesting product enhancements, streamlining customer service, or crafting inventive marketing tactics.


  • Hire leaders that represent the culture and fire the folks that do not. It can be tough to make those kind of calls, but leadership principles should influence how managers and supervisors interact with front-line staff. Leaders must lead by example, embodying the organization's values in their own actions. If respect and collaboration are key principles, managers should attentively listen to feedback, involve employees in decision-making, and treat them fairly and respectfully. 


The end goal is to create a workplace where the mission, vision, and leadership principles aren't just words but are deeply embedded in every employee's actions and attitudes. When these principles shine through in front-line activities, it leads to a positive customer experience. Customers can sense the authentic care and dedication of employees, nurturing loyalty and trust in the organization.


Here are five large companies that have been recognized for their outstanding employee culture. Check out the things they have in common:


Google: Google is known for its innovative and inclusive company culture. Employees at Google benefit from a flexible work environment, generous perks, and opportunities for growth. The company values collaboration, creativity, and community among its employees.


Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines has garnered praise for its employee-focused culture, known as "Southwest Spirit." The company prioritizes employee well-being by offering competitive compensation, career development support, and a supportive work atmosphere. This commitment has led to high retention rates at Southwest.


Salesforce: Salesforce is celebrated for its positive company culture and its emphasis on employee happiness. The company is dedicated to creating a welcoming work environment that values diversity and equality. Salesforce encourages workforce development, volunteerism, and a strong sense of purpose among its employees.


IBM: IBM has established a culture centered around innovation, inclusion, and trust. The company provides employees with programs and initiatives that support their professional growth, wellness, and work-life balance. IBM is committed to fostering a diverse and supportive workplace, making it an attractive employer.


Microsoft: Microsoft places a strong focus on creating a thriving company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, personal growth, and work-life balance. The company offers various career development opportunities, fosters collaboration and inclusivity, and provides competitive compensation and benefits. Microsoft's dedication to its employees has resulted in high satisfaction and retention rates.

These companies exemplify how a strong company culture contributes to employee retention, ultimately driving success and profitability for the organization.


Aligning front-line activities with the organization's mission, vision, and leadership principles is essential for creating a unified and purpose-driven workplace. Encouraging employees to embody these values in their daily interactions cultivates a strong company culture, leading to delighted customers and business success. It may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

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