Workplace culture isn’t all about fun perks like ping-pong tables, endless snacks, or company swag (although I really like my company-branded socks).
Real culture runs deeper and it’s about the behaviours we allow and the values we live by.
Building a meaningful culture takes effort. It’s hard work, but the cost of neglecting culture is even higher in the long run.
A thriving company culture isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s the backbone of employee morale, client satisfaction, and long-term business success.
At InnovateMR, where I’m proud to be part of the team, it’s not just about trying to be the coolest place to work; it’s about ensuring that everyone feels valued and is the best version of themselves.
Here are five practical ways to create a culture that truly matters:
1. Lead by example
“The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior the leaders are willing to tolerate.” – Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker
Culture starts at the top. As a leader, your actions set the standard for your team
- Show respect for work-life balance
- Feeling sick, or overwhelmed with life? Take a day off
- Team member on vacation? Let them disconnect
- As a leader, disconnect when you are on PTO. Trust your team!
- Treat everyone with respect: No matter their role, background, or position in the organization
- Be the person others want to work with: Being kind with a positive attitude goes a long way
The behaviour you allow is the behaviour you endorse. Set a high standard and live by it.
2. Don’t let the squeaky wheel get all the grease
A workplace culture that thrives is one where fairness is non-negotiable.
- Fairness over favoritism
- Equal opportunities for growth, recognition, and advancement
- Be unwavering in your commitment to doing the right thing, consistently
Everyone, from new hires to the Executive team is held accountable to the same standards.
Inclusion is not just about diversity; it’s about making everyone feel valued, respected, and part of the team.
3. Seek feedback and really listen
People want their voices heard, and a culture that values employees starts with listening to them.
- Regular 1on1s to discuss their goals, and challenges
- Actively seek feedback and act on it. Employees often have the best insights for improvement.
- Honest conversations without fear of judgment
When employees feel heard, and supported they’re more likely to contribute to a positive culture.
4. Address underperformance
“Nothing will kill a great employee faster than watching you tolerate a bad one” – Perry Belcher
Ignoring underperformance doesn’t just hurt your team’s morale, it undermines your culture.
- Prioritize teamwork and collaboration over individual wins
- Encouraging cross-departmental projects to break down silos
- Recognize and reward team achievements
- “How can I help?” mindset instead of “It’s not my job.”
When employees feel supported by their peers and leaders, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work.
5. Celebrate Wins and Embrace Failures
A healthy culture celebrates both success and the lessons learned from failures.
- Celebrate big and small achievements to show appreciation
- Create a safe space for mistakes, treating them as opportunities for growth
- Show vulnerability by sharing your own challenges and how you’ve overcome them
A balance of recognition and learning builds a culture of trust and drives continuous improvement.
Culture is Your Competitive Advantage
Imagine a workplace where people look forward to Monday morning. A place where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. By investing in meaningful workplace culture, we can create environments that:
- Inspire loyalty, and innovation
- Drive better client relationships
- Help employees thrive not just at work, but outside of work, too
Culture isn’t defined by the perks you offer.
It’s defined by how your employees feel when they show up to work, and how they talk about it when they leave.
The right culture doesn’t just happen. It is built over time by leaders who care enough to make it a priority.
About InnovateMR – InnovateMR is a full-service sampling and ResTech company that delivers faster, quality insights from business and consumer audiences utilizing cutting-edge technologies to support agile research. As industry pioneers, InnovateMR provides world-class end-to-end survey programming, targeted international sampling, qualitative and quantitative insights, and customized consultation services to support informed, data-driven strategies, and identify growth opportunities. Known for their celebrated status in customer service and results, InnovateMR combines boutique-level service with extensive global reach to achieve partner success.
