4 Ways to Create a Vibrant Office Culture

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Walking into a new building, badge in hand, is exciting on your first day. You’re eager to learn about the business, meet your colleagues, and make your mark. As time passes, though, those little excitements begin to fade and become par for the course. One thing that keeps you coming back, aside from a paycheck, is the culture created by coworkers.

Naturally, that kind of magnetic, vibrant office culture isn’t achieved easily. It requires substantial effort and continuous decision-making with employees in mind to sustain it. Here are a few ways to get started and keep the momentum going with your company’s culture.

1. Make the Office Interactive

Company culture isn’t only alive and well in the employees. It also is shown through the office space where business is conducted. So, invest in creating a space that’s interactive, enjoyable, and supportive of your team members.

Think through what may help make the work day happier and more inviting for employees and guests alike. A stocked snack area in the breakroom with healthy food options can help energize workers and shows you care about your employee’s health. An outdoor play area with fitness or playground equipment encourages workers to get outside, and it can help them spend time with their families too. Collaboration spaces with inviting, bright colors instead of beige and gray tones add energy to the office too.

Like it or not, first impressions matter. And creating an office space that’s unique and inviting can be a step in the right direction for spruced-up culture. At the very least, these intentional improvements will make work a more fun place to be.

2. Offer Flexibility

Many companies include work-life balance as a benefit on their laundry list of offerings. Employees get access to medical and dental coverage, a 401(k), and a hybrid work environment. However, many companies also fall short of supporting the concept in everyday work. That’s why offering true flexibility is key to establishing a superior office culture.

That all stems from attitudes toward life happenings. Errands must be run, kids have to be dropped off and picked up from school, and doctor’s appointments are necessary, too. So, don’t perform business like they’re not. Reassuring leaders and their employees that it’s normal to work these life events into their day goes a long way.

Team members feel supported and able to complete their outside of work responsibilities. That creates an environment of trust and respect because employees know they can have a work-life balance. And that ultimately leads to better, more productive work.

3. Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion

Gone are the days when everyone in the meeting looks exactly alike. Instead, companies with great cultures hire talented people of all backgrounds, ages, and races. That commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a more positive, welcoming environment in the office.

Incorporating these principles into your business starts with hiring and talent pools. Instruct talent acquisition team members to go beyond standard means and bring job opportunities to a variety of candidate groups. Skip the career fair you’ve attended for the last five years in favor of a new one in a different location. Prioritize accessibility for blind and deaf communities to ensure they’re able to apply for open roles, if interested. These changes require effort but ensure your company has diversity of thought and experience.

The result? You’ll have a workplace that’s buzzing with conversations about all kinds of topics and fresh ideas that account for the experiences of a variety of people. You’ll also have access to communities that otherwise may not be known about for further reach of your product or service. And all of that stems from a vibrant office culture that prioritizes diversity and inclusion.

4. Practice What You Preach

It’s one thing to take a stance on company goals that impact overall office culture. You’ll provide a flexible work environment or bolster your benefits, for example. It’s something else entirely to maintain those same stances despite trends that may not be best for employees.

Unfortunately, many companies try to do the right thing, only to scale back their efforts when trends change. This kind of backtracking causes reputational damage that impacts culture, especially if it results in a wave of resignations. So, it’s important for businesses to stick to the policies and work standards they establish.

Maintain or become more flexible in remote versus in-office days to empower team members to do their best work. Offer continuous improvement in your company’s diversity efforts to encourage a diverse talent pool. These goals aren’t reached in a vacuum and require a continued commitment to upkeep. Doing so builds trust in your company and solidifies your culture so your business is one people want to work for.

Happier, Healthier Workplace

Despite your best intentions, there will always be something your company can do better. However, making a concerted effort to invest in culture is one way to build rapport with your team. They’ll see that the company truly cares and wants what’s best and most engaging for everyone. You’ll get the best work effort they can provide. And that makes heading to the office — no matter if it’s your hundredth or thousandth day — a bit more exciting.