Cultivating Company Culture: Innovative Approaches Beyond Posters and Preaching

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Building a strong company culture isn't about plastering the walls with motivational posters or forcing employees to memorize a list of values. True cultural reinforcement goes beyond superficial gestures and requires authentic, creative approaches that resonate with employees. In this article, we explore inventive ways to embed and reinforce culture and values without resorting to clichéd tactics.

1. Storytelling Sessions

Harness the power of storytelling to weave your culture and values into the fabric of everyday work life. Conduct regular sessions where employees share personal anecdotes that exemplify the company's values in action. Stories humanize values, making them relatable and inspiring for everyone in the organization.

2. Living the Values Awards

Establish an employee recognition program that celebrates those who embody the company's values. Instead of a one-time recognition, make it an ongoing initiative, creating a sense of anticipation and motivation for employees to actively demonstrate the values in their daily work.

3. Culture Ambassadors Program

Empower employees to become culture ambassadors. These individuals, selected from various teams, act as champions of the company's values. They organize events, share success stories, and serve as living examples of how to integrate values into different aspects of work.

4. Customized Workspaces

Rather than generic posters, infuse your workspace with tangible representations of your culture. Consider custom-designed artwork, murals, or even interactive installations that visually communicate the company's values. This creates a more immersive and authentic environment.

5. Values in Action Workshops

Organize interactive workshops that focus on putting values into action. These sessions can involve real-life scenarios, team-building activities, and problem-solving exercises where employees collaboratively apply the company's values to find solutions.

6. Employee-Generated Content

Encourage employees to create content that reflects the company's culture and values. This could include blogs, videos, or podcasts showcasing their perspectives on how the values come alive in their roles. This approach adds a personal touch and diversity to the narrative.

7. Gamification of Values

Transform the reinforcement of values into a game. Develop a gamified platform where employees earn points or badges for exhibiting the desired behaviors aligned with the company's values. This not only makes the process fun but also encourages healthy competition and collaboration.

8. Mentorship Programs

Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced employees with newcomers. Infuse the mentorship dynamic with discussions about company values and how they can be applied in different work scenarios. This creates a culture of shared learning and mutual support.

9. Volunteering Initiatives

Demonstrate your commitment to values beyond the office walls by organizing volunteering initiatives. Engage employees in community service aligned with the company's values. This not only reinforces the importance of giving back but also fosters a sense of collective purpose.

10. Values-Focused Learning and Development

Integrate values into learning and development programs. Develop courses, workshops, or modules that explicitly tie back to the company's values. This ensures that employees see the practical application of these values in their professional growth.

11. Open Dialogue Sessions

Create a space for open and honest conversations about the company's culture and values. Regular town hall meetings, Q&A sessions with leadership, and forums for employees to share their perspectives contribute to a culture of transparency and collective ownership.

Wrapping it up

Cultivating a company culture that goes beyond surface-level representation requires innovative and thoughtful approaches. By incorporating creative methods, organizations can reinforce their values authentically. The key is to make values a lived experience rather than a mere talking point, fostering a workplace where employees feel connected to and inspired by the shared cultural ethos. So, step away from the posters, ditch the preachy sessions, and embark on a creative journey to embed your company's values into the very heart of your organization.

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Tresha Moreland

Tresha Moreland is a 30-year organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning expert. She partners with business leaders to develop workplace strategies that achieve best-in-class results. She has held key organizational leadership roles in multiple industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Tresha is the founder and principal consultant of HR C-Suite, LLC (www.hrcsuite.com). HR C-Suite is a results-based HR strategy resource dedicated to connecting HR with business results. She has received a master’s degree in human resource management (MS) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) Certification. She is also recognized as a Fellow with the American College Healthcare Executives with a FACHE designation.