“Company culture” is not just another cool phrase in today’s business environment; it is a solid strategy that will boost employee engagement, work morale, and overall productivity for any company or organization. Chuck Violand and I recently discussed what company culture embraces.

Company culture is the values, beliefs, and behaviors that determine how employees and management interact within the context of a company. It has a significant impact on recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. Companies with strong, positive cultures will attract the cream of the top talent through gravitational pull to their values. This alignment in cultural context reflects a higher job satisfaction level, less labor turnover, and more commitment to the workforce.

Additionally, a well-defined culture helps brand identity by creating a compelling outward image of attractiveness to would-be employees and customers. Research proves that organizations possessing strong cultures outperform their rivals over the long term in financial performance, pointing very clearly toward the business value of investing in culture.

Start by defining what your organization represents. Involve employees to ensure that the values are clearly articulated and resonate in the organization.

Encourage a working atmosphere that accepts and appreciates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. By bringing different points of view to the table, you can boost creativity and enhance problem-solving.

Encourage leaders to be transparent about the company’s successes and challenges. This openness builds trust among employees and makes them feel they add value to the organization.

Encourage routine and constructive feedback. Allow employees to express themselves freely regarding constructive criticism or suggestions without feeling retaliated against.

Encourage recognition. Design programs that continuously recognize and reward employees for their efforts. Recognition may range from verbal acknowledgment to promotion or bonus.

Encourage opportunities. Provide employees with training and development opportunities that will empower the workforce by allowing them to improve their skills and advance.

Organizations that embrace core values such as diversity, open communication, recognition, and employee work-life balance fuel a thriving culture, leading to long-term success.

For more on creating a positive company culture, tune into the below Straight Talk interview with Chuck Violand.