Company culture is like the air we breathe in. It is almost everywhere, but invisible. As you live in it every day, it feels like natural that you never ask how the culture is created or who initiates it for the first time. Due to this situation, it becomes difficult to assess your own company culture when you are part of it. It is true that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in every culture.

Each company has their own preferences that makes them distinctive from another. Even so, assessing company culture is critical to measure how people in the organisation align with business goals and expectations.  

Company culture is part of employer’s branding. Many potential talents view company culture as part of their considerations before joining the team. Consequently, it is important for HRs to manage company culture, that will improve business productivity and efficiency.

Company culture comprises of many elements, for managers, employees, environment, policies, ethics, leadership, values, habits, teamwork, and attitudes. To make the most of your company culture, it is important to understand how it is first designed. If you plan to assess your company culture, here are some aspects you should evaluate.

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Authority

What position holds the most authority in the team? Who plays role as decision-maker? Observe how managers and employees interact with each other to see if one is using their authority properly and not misusing it. If you find someone who uses his power to oppress others, you need to summon and address the concerned parties.

Trust

How much does an employee trust each other? Do they trust their managers? Do managers trust them? Conduct a research or survey to find out both employer and employee’s level of trust toward each other. Even smallest suspicion and cynicism between co-workers can bring the company down, so make sure that earning trust is part of your company culture.

Competition

Is there unhealthy competition between co-workers? How do employees think about their co-workers? Whether you like it or not, competition between co-workers does exist even in subtlest way. To keep it fair and square, you need to have an eye for details to see if something shady is happening in the team.

Teamwork

Does everyone befriend with anyone else? Can employees work together in harmony? Good teamwork is key point for a successful business. If you sense that employee A does not work well with employee B in the same project, find out the reason as well as the solution, so it will not disrupt the company’s objectives.

Promotion

When and how does an employee get promotion? Who decides it? If you see potential talent is not promoted due to their physical flaw, then you should fix it because providing equal opportunity for career progression of every employee is part of positive company culture.

Performance

How is everyone doing their jobs? Do they meet company expectations? Structured and consistent performance reviews will help make for a better company culture that would facilitate both talents and company’s development.

Engagement

Are workers satisfied with their jobs and salaries? Are they actively engaged with company’s value? Loyalty does not come free. To keep the right people, you need efforts to keep employees engaged with the company. Conduct a survey to find out engagement levels and how to improve it.

Communication

How do people communicate with each other? Is there any social gap between co-workers? Good communication is needed to form good team work. Make sure that everyone in the team is given equal opportunity to share their ideas with each other without any pressure or threat. If a problem arises, find out how long it lasts and how the teams work together to resolve  the same.

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