(2 minute read)
Businesses and individuals around the world are experiencing what is referred to as a V.U.C.A. environment. Where Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity or Ambiguity make it difficult to plan and predict for ourselves, our team, or businesses.
Amongst all this, it’s becoming more difficult to separate our professional lives from our personal lives.
While these challenges continue to present themselves, it’s culture which can help normalise a more human approach to work and our more integrated lives.
An effective and meaningful business culture can provide individuals and teams with a competitive advantage.
Company culture may be defined as; the overall practice, behaviours, and priorities that unite and motivate employees to achieve company goals.
Culture is the DNA of your organization and can set you apart in the eyes of employees, candidates, and customers. It can also provide the support and normality which so many are craving during these V.U.C.A. times.
Business Insider Magazine recently shared the surprising data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, that “80% of firms which currently permit a portion of their workforce to clock in at home, at the cafe, or anywhere with a working internet connection, believe the practice will carry on.”
Companies which have not developed their culture to expand beyond the walls of the business premises, will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage to those which have.
One question concerning many managers during this ‘remote-work revolution’, is “will extended periods away from the peering eyes of colleagues encourage workers to work extreme hours, or hardly work at all?”
Clearly, the answer to this will be dependent upon the pre-existing culture as well as the accepted and expected norms of the business prior to the need for team-members working remotely.
To strengthen the culture within your respective team or organisation, look for opportunities to boost the engagement of your team-members.
“Engagement represents the level of enthusiasm and connection employees feel toward their organization.” (Culture Amp)
Strategies to boost team engagement and business culture.
- Celebrate achievements, goals and milestones with enthusiasm and genuine joy
- ‘Surprise and Delight’. Do something extra and unexpected for someone/the team.
- Acknowledge those who are balancing/integrating work and home-life effectively.
- Share a list of great reads or podcasts amongst team members (including a summary of what made the book/episode worthwhile)
- Bring back the Trivia Quiz. (Rotate your quizmasters)
- Invite a guest presenter to your next online meeting (e.g., Mindfulness Coach, Yoga Instructor)
The ideas are endless, and it’s not about the novelty. It’s about the connection, engagement, support and consolidating the culture of the team or business.
Stay well and stay connected!
