It is no secret that the most valued asset of any organisation is its human resource. With the requisite amount of investment, any organisation can build a strong physical and technological infrastructure but it is the workforce that can lend it a competitive edge. One of the defining markers of twenty-first-century organisations is, therefore, the ceaseless battle for talent - to attract and retain it.
Just as the recruitment of an employee is contingent upon their skill set, experience, and the potential value they can add to an organisation, the selection of an organisation by an employee is also driven by several factors, prominent amongst which are the prevailing work culture and the approach to Human Resource Management.
Work culture is an amalgamation of the values, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, and approaches that encompass the workplace environment of an organisation. An organisation's work culture defines its approach to processes and people, and is, therefore, an integral driver of employee performance and productivity.
Culture is, at its core, largely intangible yet its presence and impact are substantial. Workplace culture often plays a pivotal role in shaping practices, procedures, and behaviours of employees with each other as well as with customers and other key stakeholders. Having a positive work culture can have a significant impact on attracting and retaining talent.
Creating and sustaining a positive work culture and an employee-first work environment are mammoth tasks. They can, however, be easily accomplished by following a few simple practices. Here is how a positive workplace culture can be created:
The first step towards creating a positive workspace culture is ensuring that the employees are cognizant of the goals, long-term and short-term alike, of the organisation. An additional layer of clarity is pivotal, one that informs employees of their individual goals and responsibilities, and roles within and across teams.
The higher the degree of clarity on goals, the better-placed employees can be in their successful pursuits.
Any organisation that seeks to put its employees first must put clear channels of communication in place. From top-down communications to their bottom-up counterparts, every member of the workforce must find it easy to receive and share ideas, information, grievances, and resolutions thereto.
Managers should schedule periodical one-on-one sessions with their team members to assess the progress of their goals and encourage feedback.
From putting the requisite ergonomics measures in place to ensuring that employees have ample access to connectivity, no stone should be left unturned to make work easier for the employees. In addition to infrastructural support, adequate managerial support is also key to a positive workplace environment.
In an age driven by technology, it is critical for organisations to provide the necessary resources to their workforce.
With the passage of time, the definition of a workplace has significantly evolved. No longer is work confined by the brick and mortar of an office. Keeping this change in mind, the expectations of employees from their organisations have also enhanced and flexibility in the mode, time, and place of work are now key factors for people.
Employee-first workplace culture is, by definition, a celebration of freedom and flexibility. The emphasis is on the quality of the work rather than on the employees' location.
The multifaceted stress induced by high-pressure jobs is taking a toll on the physical and mental health of employees. People are increasingly prioritising a holistic way of working, and organisational cultures must evolve to fit the said mould.
The creation of a positive workplace culture entails an emphasis on the overall well-being of employees - putting into place lenient leave policies, health and wellness programmes for employees, encouraging them through rewards and recognition, etc.
Creating a positive workplace culture at your organisation is a comprehensive undertaking; with expert assistance, however, this quest can be fulfilled in an efficient manner.
At Vahura, we offer customised consulting, tailored talent, and strategic solutions that can help you address various business challenges. We can help you establish a culture that will enhance your ability to attract and retain quality talent.
Reach out to us now and let us assist you!
Bala is a solution architect, data analyst, and an MBA, who loves painting a picture using data. He leads a consulting practice that is at the cutting edge of legal market data, legal operating models, legal technology and innovation. Bala co-conceptualised and led the Vahura Best Law Firms to Work studies (2018 and 2022), and is a sought-after advisor on change management and innovation.
