8 Steps to Maintain a Positive Company Culture During Growth
Growing organizations face changing team dynamics that reduce streamlined teamwork and productivity. Maintaining a positive company culture during times of growth is important to ensure employees remain engaged, productive, and aligned with company values and goals.
Planning for growth must include a review of processes and communication to ensure a positive culture can be maintained and adjusted.
1. Clearly Communicate Values and Goals
Make sure the company mission, vision, and values are clearly defined and communicated consistently to all employees. The employee handbook is a good place to define and communicate these important points.
As goals and cultural priorities shift to adjust to growth, compliance requirements, and best practices, keep employees informed of these changes. Share achievements and other factors that lead to adjustments and maintain trust and inclusion with transparent and clear communication.
2. Pay Attention to Onboarding Practices
Onboarding is the best time to prepare new employees for cultural priorities. Share these priorities early and provide opportunities to help new employees integrate into the company culture quickly and effectively.
A good way to integrate employees is to incorporate peer training as part of the onboarding process. Pair new hires with an experienced employee to help them build connections with their teams and learn how to contribute to a positive company culture.
3. Lead by Example
New and experienced employees are more likely to adhere to company priorities if leadership is on board. Ensure leadership at all levels exhibits desired behaviors that highlight company values. Leaders should model the behavior they expect from their teams.
Leadership teams should also be approachable. Encourage employees to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback. Leaders need to be prepared to actively listen and show respect to the feedback they receive, even if they do not agree.
4. Recognize Desired Behaviors
Establish a recognition program that shows appreciation for achievements, milestones, and desired cultural behaviors. Regularly acknowledge and reward employee contributions and achievements to motivate employees and reinforce positive behaviors.
This includes individual and team achievements. Celebrate team milestones to build camaraderie and encourage connections.
5. Establish a Healthy Work Environment
A positive culture requires a healthy work environment. Encourage employees to take breaks and vacations, and to maintain a good work-life balance.
Provide options to help employees create a safe and comfortable workspace. This can include options like flexible work schedules. Look for ways to create an environment where all employees feel safe, respected, and included.
6. Encourage Collaboration
It’s important to give employees a reason to connect with the company culture by encouraging teamwork. This can be done through collaborative projects, team-building activities, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Encourage social connections between employees. As the company grows, ensure departments and teams remain connected.
7. Be Willing to Adjust
As a company grows, the culture may need to evolve to maintain a positive company culture. Be open to feedback and be willing to adapt policies and practices to meet the changing needs of the organization.
Surveys, focus groups, or feedback sessions can help gauge any culture shift needs so adjustments can be made as needed.
8. Consider Culture During the Hiring Process
As the company grows, it’s important to consider cultural needs during the hiring process. Think about not only current, but future culture needs when interviewing candidates.
It’s not about focusing on culture fit, but culture add. Hire employees who will help build a positive company culture as growth continues and needs shift.
Plan for Positive Company Culture
The right company culture requires established goals and values with built-in processes that help promote desired behaviors. You need to build systems that can grow with your organization. As your company grows, it’s important to review your HR infrastructure to ensure you are prepared for the required shifts.
Your HR infrastructure is the foundation on which you promote success. Check out how HR Service, Inc. can help you review your current HR infrastructure and provide the tools you need to prepare for growth and promote a positive culture.
Written By: Penny Clark