What do we mean by ‘company culture’? Company culture, sometimes called organisational culture, is the foundation that promotes positive behaviour in the workplace and incorporate everyone – from leaders and managers to new hires. As HR professionals, it’s up to us to encourage, shape, change and reinforce our company culture and its values. We do this usually through recruiting, training, hiring and firing staff. But there are also a few, sometimes overlooked, strategies and routes we can implement to shape a positive working environment for all.
1. Influencing the pay structure
Human Resources play an integral role in the organisation and implementation of a fair and beneficial pay structure. Through conversations with company leadership in relation to market standards, we can help create pay grades throughout the organisation that encourage employee retention and overall satisfaction.
2. Be transparent
Being transparent and open with employees not only helps reinforce the values of our company culture but also goes along way in how workers feel appreciated and respected. By including our colleagues and employees in the conversation, we are not only showing we value their input but are promoting honesty and clear communication in the workplace.
3. Employee-employer relations
We all know that everything can’t be smooth sailing all the time. There are going to be instances in which situations arise between individuals and it is our duty as HR professionals to handle these situations appropriately. By setting up safe spaces for both employers and employees to voice their feelings, we can mediate and nurture a positive discussion that benefits everyone.
When it comes to employer-employee relationships, effective conflict resolution processes, clear chains of command and open lines of communication are critical to success. As HR professionals, it is our role to ensure these practices are in place and being followed.
4. Be an advocate for employee development
Incorporating and encouraging training programs can be an great way to influence and guide positive behaviour and organisational culture from employees. Whether internal or external, these programs help shape our employees and help them understand the company values to be adhered to.
Internal training could involve bringing in external consultants or training from in house experts. External training can involve workshops, seminars or even professional development programs such as online qualifications. Oakwood offer a number of these programs for HR professionals at all levels of their career.
5. Practice what we preach!
Of course, all of the above will fall flat if we do not follow it ourselves. If we’re going to talk the talk, we certainly have to walk the walk. That means setting an example of what we expect our company culture to look like so employees and managers alike can follow in our footsteps.
If we enforce rules but don’t follow them, it shows a lack of respect for our colleagues. In turn, they will be unlikely to trust us in the future. You’ve got to influence the company culture by being the company culture.
Conclusion
As HR professionals, we have more than enough tools at our disposal to invite a positive and successful company culture. The human resources department is, undoubtedly, one of the most important departments in any company. By promoting and implementing well thought out systems and strategies, we can shape a company culture. One that is beneficial not only for the company – its business performance and profits – but at the core, its employees.
If you’d like to know more about how you can upgrade your HR skills with a professional qualification from Oakwood, you can find all information, including brochures and course content here: www.oakwooddubai.ae/cipd/
Thanks for reading!
