The internet, social media and the emergence of employer review sites have all had the impact of really opening up a business culture to the light. Today, if your staff are unhappy, or your business practices overly tough or unethical, it’s much more likely that the world is going to hear about it. Brand reputations today are not just built with marketing and PR campaigns but also via workforce experience and that all starts with a positive business culture.

Be the brand your customers want to believe in

If your real life business culture doesn’t align with the brand values you’re pushing to your customers then that disconnect is going to be very obvious today. So, building a positive business culture all starts with looking at whether your business is run behind the scenes in a way that aligns with the messages you’re sending out “front of house.” If there is a difference between the two then it might be time to make some changes or face accusations of a lack of authenticity.

Make your employees feel valued

From warehouse staff through to highly paid City executives, everyone wants to feel valued by an employer. That means providing a safe and rewarding place to work and the positive challenge of career progression. Benefits and fair pay are important, as well as somewhere comfortable to work.

It’s also key to listen to any issues that are highlighted, whether it’s a lack of provision for vegetarians in the staff canteen or repeated allegations of sexual harassment against a particular manager. This creates an open business culture in which employees feel like an important part of the process and that their needs are being met. Your staff are the best brand ambassadors you could possibly have and if they feel valued and engaged with the business they will naturally go out and sell it for you.

Work on management structures

It’s important to evaluate whether current management styles are really generating the results that are possible from your existing workforce. For example, some overly-hierarchical management structures that use fear to motivate are seen as very outdated and can stifle creativity and innovation.

Having an open door policy is the easiest way to get an idea of whether your employees are happy. Listen to any suggestions they make about the way that they are managed and what might help to increase loyalty and generate more engagement with the brand. These are the foundations of positive business culture.

Have principles

Just like consumers, many employees today want to be associated with brands that stand for something. So, you can create a positive business culture by being clear about what it is you believe in and what your brand stands for. That could be converting your business to eco processes so that it is as environmentally friendly as it can possibly be.

It may be encouraging more social responsibility, introducing mentoring programmes or having a focus on positive mental health in the workplace. If you create an environment with clearly defined values your culture will attract the right people who will want to stay.

Building a positive business culture often requires a combination of change and awareness. Don’t be afraid to stand out as a business as this will add credibility and authenticity to the culture you create.

Get in touch with Brian Doubleday on 07703 107070 today for more business tips and advice.