Workplace culture and hiring for cultural fit are the big topics in the world of recruitment these days, and if you’re an employer, then you really should be paying close attention to what’s being said. With the world’s best talent now seemingly more interested in a potential employer’s workplace culture than the salary on offer, it’s time to take a look at the importance of fostering a positive working environment.

 

What is workplace culture?

Your workplace culture is the environment that you provide for your employees to work in but it doesn’t just mean air-conditioned buildings and soft seats. The culture is everything from the brand’s values and mission to how higher-level management interact with staff. And yes, it also includes those nice cookies in the coffee room.

 

Why is it so important?

For many years, employees were simply glad to be in a job with prospects, but in recent times more and more people are choosing to work for socially responsible companies and those that care for their employees.

It’s no longer so much about the number on their paycheque at the end of each month as it is about the fact that they enjoy going to work. They want to feel engaged and challenged at work and to feel appreciated for the job that they do. And more often than not, they prefer that this appreciation is shown as benefits or a sense of care and understanding from their employers. And once they feel rewarded and appreciated, they are inclined to work harder and produce better results.

 

So how do I foster a positive work culture?

Creating a positive working environment isn’t quite as easy as it seems. You can have all the best intentions in the world, but if you hire the wrong people, then there’s nothing you can do about the environment they themselves create.

You must first decide on the direction you would like to take in terms of office culture. Your culture should embrace who you are as an employer and the personalities and needs of your current staff. Then when this is clearly defined, any new employees that you hire must be a good cultural fit so they integrate well with your team.

 

What things can I do to improve the culture?

Implement an open-door policy at your office and allow every member of your staff the opportunity to speak with the owners and senior-level management. Give credit where it’s due and reward employees by allowing them to challenge themselves through ongoing training.

Other benefits or perks that you can offer could include help with childcare or kids at work days, company outings, and a more casual dress code. Employees also appreciate the ability to work from home from time to time, and if you were to offer them the option of a novated lease, then you could help them save money on tax when buying a new car.

Any one of the above perks and benefits will make your employees happy but implementing most or even all of them will create a positive working environment that will turn your employees into your biggest brand ambassadors.

 

Whether it’s through ongoing training, remote work, or a simple novated lease, the way you show your employees that you appreciate their efforts and care about their needs could be the difference between success and failure. Yes, it really is that important because as we said, the best talent in your industry no longer cares too much about money. Now they care about benefits and, most importantly, your work culture.

As Australia's largest car finance broker, Stratton Finance know a thing or two about loans and finance. With over two decades of experience in the field they are one of the most trusted authorities in the industry.