(source: 3cpa.co.id)
Basically, the definition of work culture is a concept that regulates the thought process, attitudes, beliefs of employees, and their behavior during work. This is influenced by the company's values, ideologies and principles.
Work culture can be described as a concept that governs interactions between employees and the way the company operates. It impacts the problem-solving process in any organization. Workplace culture is linked to mental health and employee performance
It is also critical to a company's success. Therefore, it is important to create a positive work culture for both employers and employees. Workplace culture also reflects company values and can have a positive impact.
Purpose of Work Culture
Every company has a strong reason for establishing a work culture. The work environment involves various employees with diverse personalities. Work culture serves as a guide and unifies the different characteristics of the employees.
In addition, companies have specific goals in building a work culture. These goals include creating a unique corporate identity, building employee commitment to the company's vision and mission, creating harmony in the implementation of tasks and responsibilities in the company, and strengthening professional relationships between employees within the company.
There are several elements that can help build a positive work culture in line with the company's mission, including:
- Accountability: Accountability emphasizes teamwork, honest and open communication, and responsibility in terms of work and behavior. It aims to help achieve company goals.
- Equity: All employees are considered equal and have an important role in each position. Therefore, the company must also provide equal opportunities for each employee fairly and equally.
- Expression: The expression element prioritizes the freedom of expression of employees through personal preferences and ways of working. This is expected to increase productivity and comfort while working.
- Communication: Apply open communication habits in giving and receiving feedback, sharing ideas, collaborating, and solving challenges.
- Appreciation: Appreciate employees' achievements and accomplishments by giving praise, rewards such as salary increases, bonuses, or other positive things that can increase productivity.
Types of Work Culture
There are four types of positive work cultures that are commonly found in various companies. These types of work culture include:
1. Clan Culture
Clan culture is a work culture that creates a warm and friendly work environment. This culture makes employees feel like they are part of one big family working together to achieve goals by engaging in a variety of activities.
The core of this culture is solid teamwork and good communication. Strategies used include empowerment, team building, employee productivity development, and open communication.
2. Hierarchy Culture
Hierarchy culture is a type of work culture that emphasizes a more formal and organized work environment. In this culture, the control of the company is completely in the hands of individuals with higher hierarchical positions considered as role models because of their experience and abilities.
The success of the company relies heavily on the adherence of all members of the company to clear and precise hierarchical rules. This culture is considered an effective approach in increasing the productivity of the company.
However, it is also important to note that the appropriate work culture for a company may vary. Influencing factors include the type of industry, the size of the company, and the values it wishes to emphasize. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate work culture should be based on the specific needs and characteristics of the company.
3. Adhocracy Culture
Adhocracy culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration between all members of the company, from leaders to staff. Companies with this type of culture will continue to adapt and compete to change and improve the structure of human life in the future.
Companies with an adaptive culture will encourage employees to always think creatively and generate fresh ideas. The goal is to create new innovations for the company. This culture can generally be found in fast-growing startup companies to companies that have achieved high levels of success, such as Google, Meta, and Amazon.
In adhocracy culture, companies will actively face change and strive to always be at the forefront of adopting new technologies and strategies. Collaboration and flexibility are key to meeting the evolving challenges of the digital age.
4. Market Culture
Market culture is based on competition and is used as a foothold in running the company. With this competition, it is expected that employees will be motivated to be competitive and focus on increasing their work productivity.
In market culture, companies adopt strategies that involve considering client preferences, increasing productivity, cooperating with other parties, and increasing competition to improve company quality.
How to Build a Good Work Culture in the Office
Building a good and positive work culture is indeed a dream. Here are the steps you can follow to build a good work culture in the office:
1. Create a Vision, Mission, and Company Values
One important step in creating a positive work culture in the office is to formulate the company's vision and mission. Convey it clearly and in detail to all employees so that they have a deep understanding and a high sense of concern for the company. In addition, it is also necessary to establish company norms that will guide employee behavior.
The company's vision and mission is a compass that directs steps and goals together. With a clear vision and mission, employees have a strong guide in carrying out tasks and making decisions that are in line with company values. This helps create harmony and togetherness in achieving the company's vision and mission.
2. Develop Standards of Attitude and Behavior in the Company
The next step in creating a good work culture is to design and develop standards of behavior that reflect the company's vision and mission. These behaviors include work ethics, integrity, cooperation, effective communication, and professional attitude. By reinforcing these norms, a positive work culture will be established, where employees respect each other, work as a team, and appreciate the values and norms developed by the company.
It should be noted that not all employees have the knowledge and understanding of how to behave appropriately. Therefore, it is important to have clear standards of behavior that are applied throughout the company or office. This can also be used as an indicator of employee performance appraisal.
3. Build Employee Trust and Engagement
It is very important to build a relationship based on trust with employees. This trust can be established through honest and effective communication.
Even if there are facts that may be difficult to convey about the company, you must have the courage to take the risk of talking about them. This kind of attitude will help increase the level of trust your employees have in you.
Also, in a positive work culture, make sure that no employee feels neglected. Every employee should be fully engaged so that they feel satisfied with their work environment.
4. Develop a Culture of Appreciation
Every employee should feel happy when they receive appreciation or positive feedback. As a leader, you can recognize this culture by rewarding employees for their achievements and dedication. Start with simple things, such as recognizing their hard work in office forums or meetings.
5. Promote Work-Life Balance
Every employee's time is precious. Especially after they have finished working in the office and want to enjoy some leisure or family time.
In shaping a healthy company culture, it is important to promote work-life balance. Start with simple things, such as respecting employees' time by not sending messages or emails outside of working hours, even if they work from home.
(source: indeed.com, spiceworks.com, factorialhr.com)