How to Align Culture at your Organisation
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
Ever been in that groove at work where everything just clicks? You know, projects humming along, the team effortlessly scoring wins for clients, and fresh ideas popping up like confetti at a party? That's the magic of cultural alignment— syncing up your organisation's culture, values, and goals with the folks who make it all happen.
But, what if there’s a glitch in the matrix—a misalignment between your organisation and the team that gives it life. It's like having a rock-solid house with a shaky foundation. Not exactly the vibe you want after putting in all that hard work to build something great, right?
The power of cultural alignment
Culture encompasses all the values, expectations, and practices that guide team members daily and make your organisation what it is. Every organisation has its own culture, whether it tries to actively shape it or not. The real question, though, is whether the employee’s vibe with that culture—whether it's something they genuinely buy into.
Studies show that alignment between an organisation’s workforce and its culture can turbocharge performance—up to a 9% boost in hitting revenue goals, a 22% uptick in employee performance, and a 16% improvement in the organisation's reputation.
How to build cultural alignment
Recognise and Repeat
Begin by acknowledging the behaviour you want to see more of in your organisation. Recognition is the fuel that propels motivation. Make recognition easy and engaging, especially in the era of remote work. Explore mobile-friendly employee recognition platforms that allow team members to express gratitude in their way.
Amplify Employee Voice
Establish anonymous feedback channels, such as pulse surveys and intelligent HR chatbots, to uncover potential areas of disconnect. Encourage regular feedback to address issues promptly and foster continuous improvement.
Values as Guiding Stars
Craft a set of values that resonate with your team members. Keep them concise, direct, and unique to your organisation. Communicate these values across all levels and train leaders to embody them daily.
Cultivate Trust and Safety
Establish a culture of listening, where feedback is not only encouraged but valued. Practice transparency in both small and major decisions. When employees feel safe and valued, alignment becomes not just a possibility but a natural outcome.
Hire for Culture Fit
Skills matter, but so does attitude. Look for candidates genuinely excited about your organisation's culture during the hiring process. Make culture a focal point in onboarding, ensuring that new team members not only understand but embrace it.
Bottom-line
May your organisation thrive, your team flourish, and your goals be met with the rhythm of a well-aligned culture. Cheers to a fantastic 2024!