We talk a lot about company culture at exaqueo, and advise clients on how to pull out the aspects of their culture that make them unique. This week we're sharing some examples of companies who have discovered their unique qualities and promoted them as part of their culture. Remember, when it comes to company culture, it's not about copying what the latest trends are, but finding what makes your company stand out, and then pulling that through the employment experience. Here's the best in company culture:
1) How to Create an Awesome Company Culture (No Perks Necessary) from Inc.com
"It's not about what makes your company unique or noteworthy, it's about how you treat your employees. I want to state up front that I love perks. And I'm a fan of unique company features like big scorecards, group community service outings, or weekend and evening e-mail bans. But if you want a great company culture, you don't need any of those things. Yep, you can have a great culture without a single yoga class or in-office kegerator."
2) Valukas Report Is CEO Mary Barra’s Cue To Fix Flawed Company Culture from GM Authority
"General Motors may be facing one of its worst public relations disasters in its history following the ignition switch recall crisis, but CEO Mary Barra is determined to see to it that the company walks away from the situation having learned lessons on company culture and ethical business practices.The automaker released their findings of the recall crisis last week in a 325-page report put together by US attorney Anton Valukas. The report highlighted a flawed company culture within GM, full of incompetence and inaction, but it also contained recommendations and plans to prompt major change."
3) The Workplace Revolution: Adding Company Culture to the Mix from Huffington Post
"It's not uncommon for employers to attempt solving cultural shortcomings with a band-aid, employing common, hasty fixes like spot-bonuses and short-term perks. While a seemingly successful cure on the surface, employees are quick to recognize when an employer's motives are self-serving. Adopting an offhand, minimalistic approach to employee engagement does the exact opposite of what may have been intended, likely alienating a substantial portion of a company's workforce."
4) If the Culture Fits... What Zappos and Other Employers Look For in New Hires from Huffington Post
"A friend of mine who works in HR tells the story of a woman he once interviewed for a customer service job. He asked, "What is the thing you liked least about your previous position?" She replied, "Having to deal with so many people." If this anecdote weren't so pitiful, it might be funny. Sure, it makes a good case for the importance of practicing interview skills before the real event, but the big question is this: Why was this woman applying for a customer service job in the first place? Whatever happened to career counseling?"
5) 12 Ways to a Great Corporate Culture from Inc.com
"At a recent conference in Denver, Inc. and an organization called Winning Workplaces brought together leaders from a range of businesses to talk about building and maintaining great company cultures. What's the value if you have a great culture? “If your staff believes that they matter, that their opinions matter, the company soars,” says Tom Walter CEO of Tasty Catering in Chicago. “People are not just productivity units. I believe in democracy because the future is as secure as people are with working together."
6) Your Secret Weapon in Business: Culture from Forbes
"The notion of “innovation” has evolved. A couple decades ago, the world consideredtechnical innovation the big game in town. For example, think about innovations in computers, electronics, and software over the years. Better toys meant better profits. Then, about a decade ago, the game shifted to business model innovation. The “lean startup movement” is a manifestation of that philosophy. The proliferation of subscription services, loyalty programs, and online community platforms are good examples of innovative thinking around business models and customer engagement."
Lexi Gordon is a Lead Consultant for exaqueo, a workforce consultancy that helps startups and high-growth companies build their cultures, employer brands and talent strategies. Contact exaqueo to learn more about how we can help you build a workforce that’s aligned with your company culture and develop an employer brand that will allow your business to scale the right way.