In working environments across all industries, many leaders spend a good portion of their days studying KPIs and focusing on benchmarks to determine their organization’s level of success. We certainly aren’t suggesting KPIs don’t matter, but sometimes it’s the things we can’t measure that really make an organization stand out. 

A positive and healthy work culture can not only increase productivity and employee retention, but it also helps attract top talent to the company (results we can measure). Strong work cultures also drive behaviors that lead to work environments people want to be in and that they can thrive in. These are things that are difficult to measure but are extremely important in driving measurable results. 

Have you ever walked into an office or workspace and something just didn’t feel right? Like the air had been sucked out of the room? Or conversely, have you encountered an environment that was warm, welcoming, friendly and helpful? The overall culture of an organization is what leads to the vibe or temperature of a work environment. 

We have worked with organizations across the globe, and time and time again, our clients tell us they don’t know how to describe the changes, they just know it’s better. They can feel it! 

Recently, we received feedback from a corrections facility we’ve been privileged to work with for the past year. In the correspondence, the 17-year employee said the following:

“I have never felt as positive and optimistic about my chosen profession as I do right now. Everywhere I look, I see people who care about their job, about each other and about the residents under our care. I know from experience that in this line of work, we can’t fake caring. You either care or you don’t, and man, I feel it right now, and I owe a lot of that to PURPOSE In Action.”

This. THIS is the kind of culture that will drive even better results! 

But HOW do you build a strong culture? 

Start with a clear vision and values.

A strong work culture begins with a clear vision and values that everyone in the organization can align with. It is important to communicate these values and vision to all employees and ensure they are integrated into every aspect of the organization. This ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal and that decisions are made in line with the company’s values.

Foster open communication.

Open communication is key to building a strong work culture. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with their colleagues and managers. This can be encouraged through regular team meetings, one-on-one conversations and feedback sessions.

Encourage teamwork and collaboration.

Teamwork and collaboration are important aspects of a strong work culture. Employees should be encouraged to work together and help each other out. This can be fostered through team-building activities, cross-functional projects and open office layouts.

Recognize and reward success.

Recognizing and rewarding success is an important part of building a strong work culture. This can be done through formal recognition programs or simple thank you notes. It is important to celebrate successes and acknowledge the hard work that went into achieving them.

Prioritize employee well-being.

Employee well-being should be a top priority for any organization. This includes physical, mental and emotional well-being. Employers can prioritize employee well-being by offering wellness programs, flexible work arrangements and mental health resources.

When you are able to establish and communicate your vision with clarity, alignment and purpose and create habits out of positive activities — including reward and recognition, open communication, and showing value and appreciation to your teams — the intangible factors that contribute to a positive work environment but are difficult to quantify will surface.

Some examples of unmeasurable KPIs include:

Trust — Trust is the foundation of any strong work culture. Employees need to trust their colleagues and managers to work effectively together.

Empathy — Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an important trait for managers and employees alike, and it can lead to a more supportive and collaborative work environment.

Communication — Clear and open communication is essential for building a strong work culture. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with their colleagues and managers.

Innovation — Encouraging innovation and creativity can lead to new ideas and approaches that can benefit the organization as a whole.

Purpose — Employees should feel that their work has a purpose and that they are contributing to something meaningful. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more engaged workforce.

Building a strong work culture takes time, effort and commitment. By focusing on clear values, open communication, teamwork and employee well-being, organizations can create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent. In addition, by considering unmeasurable KPIs, such as trust, empathy and purpose, organizations can build a work culture that fosters collaboration, innovation and success.