Do Your Employees Know Your Company Culture?

do your employees know your company culture? illustration

You’ve spent a lot of time crafting your company’s mission statement and defining your company culture. You probably assume that your staff knows your culture, but they might actually misunderstand it. Sometimes, there is some miscommunication between employers and employees when it comes to the company’s values. While you might value creativity and innovation, your team thinks that you value obedience.

If you’re not sure whether your workers truly understand your culture, ask them questions like:

  • What’s our mission statement?
  • What are our core values?
  • How do we live those values daily?
  • How do you view our culture?

If you determine that your workforce doesn’t understand your culture, try the following seven things to help.

1. Set an example

If you’re not living your culture, you can’t expect your employees to live it. Every action you take and decision you make should align with your company’s values and mission.

2. Listen to your staff

Let your workers know that your door is always open and encourage them to talk to you about everything – including their views on your culture. When your team talks to you, really engage by taking notes and determining the necessary actions to take to address any concerns and suggestions.

3. Hire for cultural fit

Make sure you’re hiring new employees that fit into your culture and share your values. Introduce your culture during the interview process and ask questions to determine if they’ll be a good fit. This will ensure your new hires understand your culture from their very first day.

Read also: 13 Interview Questions to Ensure a Cultural Fit

4. Reward employees who live your culture

Whenever someone makes a decision that aligns with your culture, celebrate it. You don’t have to do anything big – you could send an email sharing the person’s action.

5. Choose a “Chief Cultural Officer”

Your culture is shaped during the smallest interactions your staff has with each other and your customers, so you have to be intentional about creating it. One way to do this is to appoint someone to help you build and spread your culture.

6. Send employee surveys

Send out a feedback survey to your team asking specific questions about your culture. You’ll be able to find out what’s working and what’s not. Because your team will tell you exactly how they feel about your culture and what they want to see, you’ll know how to keep them happy and productive.

Read also: 7 Ways to Respond to Employee Surveys

7. Set goals that align with your values

During performance reviews, make sure the goals you’re setting align with your company values and mission. Everything your workers do will fit into your culture and help your company fulfill its purpose.

Read also: 6 Steps for Successful Performance Reviews

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