The start of a new year presents an opportunity for many businesses to reorient themselves around new goals and objectives, but it’s also a time when companies should reaffirm their values and the culture that defines them. At our company, we believe that it’s important to build a strong and lasting culture by upholding our values throughout the year and not just during the holiday season. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how our business community can work to preserve our values and company culture beyond the holiday season.
Communicate Your Values
The most effective way to ensure that company values are embedded throughout the business is by frequently communicating them to employees. Make sure your employees know your business values and how they relate to their work. Reinforce these values by having them included in your employee handbook, in team meetings, and in performance reviews. By making your values known, you’re more likely to keep them at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Lead by Example
Leadership is an integral component of shaping company culture. If you want your team to exemplify certain values, it’s important to lead by example. It’s up to the leadership to create a culture where those values are valued and supported. This means that they must show employees how to practice those values in their everyday work. Whether it’s treating everyone with respect and dignity, demonstrating empathy for others, or holding yourself accountable for your work, be the one who sets the tone for your company culture.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Throughout the year, it’s vital to highlight workplace accomplishments that align with company values. Regular direction and feedback help employees see the bigger picture and how their everyday work adds value to the business and society. This will make employees feel valued, appreciated, and will reinforce the importance of your business values.
Embed Values In Your Hiring Process
Values alignment begins from the moment you start your recruitment process, and it’s not just about finding people with the right skills and experience, it’s also about finding the right fit in terms of values. During interviews, ask questions that will allow you to gauge the candidates’ values. Ask questions that will help you determine if the candidate is a good personality fit for the team. By embedding your values in your hiring process, you are more likely to hire talented individuals that will thrive in your company culture.
Encourage Feedback And Involvement
Finally, one way to ensure that your values are being upheld beyond the holiday season is to encourage employees to provide feedback on how things can improve. Encourage discussion about culture and values during meetings. Listen to feedback and respond appropriately. This can lead to a culture of trust and teamwork, one that will not only encourage cultural cohesion but also one that will promote growth and progress.
The start of a new year presents an opportunity for businesses to realign their mission and vision, change direction, and embark on new goals. However, it’s also important to ensure that the company’s values and culture are maintained throughout the year, beyond the holiday season. By communicating your values, leading by example, celebrating accomplishments, embedding values in the recruitment process, and encouraging feedback and involvement, you can maintain a strong company culture. Keeping everyone aligned with a common goal creates a more productive and sustainable workplace. A workplace where everyone is inspired to work towards a common goal will have a positive impact on employee retention and overall business outcomes.