How Company Culture Shapes Employee Motivation
A strong company culture revolves around shared values and a clear sense of purpose. They buy into the cause. They see the slogan and think “Hell ya, that’s where I want to put my energy!”
Company culture plays a significant role in shaping employee motivation. We all know that! But a positive and supportive culture can inspire employees to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work for a longer period of time AND they will also be part of the mission to achieve the company’s objectives. On the other hand, a negative or toxic culture can demotivate employees and hinder their performance and everyone will be having a shit time.
Here are some ways in which company culture influences employee motivation:
Clear and strong values and company purpose:
A strong company culture revolves around shared values and a clear sense of purpose. They buy into the cause. They see the slogan and think “Hell ya, that’s where I want to put my energy!” When employees align with these values and feel that their work has meaning, they are more likely to be motivated and dedicated to their roles.
Recognition and Rewards:
A culture that recognizes and rewards employee achievements and contributions fosters motivation. Regular feedback, praise, and rewards such as bonuses or promotions can make employees feel valued and appreciated, encouraging them to continue performing at a high level…..but it doesn’t always have to be monetary. I encourage my clients to create ‘wow moments’ in their team meetings so that they can openly recognise members of the team that are living the values!
Open Communication:
An open and transparent communication culture helps employees feel informed and involved. When employees have access to information, feel listened to, and can freely express their ideas and concerns, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. If they try to voice something but then nothing gets done about it they will soon learn to keep it to themselves thinking ‘nothing ever changes so why bother’! Apathy is the worst state a company can be in. That is the slow death!
Trust and Autonomy:
A culture that emphasizes trust and empowers employees with autonomy can be highly motivating. When employees feel trusted to make decisions and have control over their work, they are more likely to take ownership, be innovative, and go the extra mile. Not only that, you will have permission to fuck up and your team will forgive you because the trust is already built and they know your intention was good.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
A culture that promotes collaboration and teamwork creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie. When employees feel supported by their colleagues and work in an environment where cooperation is encouraged, they are motivated to contribute to the team's success. FUN is the vital lifeblood of any organisation and the ability to take yourselves lightly can make or break the experience people are having.
Learning and Development:
A culture that prioritizes learning and development provides opportunities for employees to grow and advance in their careers. When employees see that the company invests in their professional development, it enhances their motivation by giving them a sense of progress and future possibilities.
Work-Life Balance:
A culture that values work-life balance recognizes the importance of employees' well-being and personal lives. When employees have the flexibility and support to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal, they are more likely to feel motivated, satisfied, and less prone to burnout. It also means you are attracting people who want to HAVE A LIFE because those are the best type of people.
Even though companies vary depending on their values these basic rules stay the same! The approach I take is helping teams to realise their greatness by working with the owner to bring the values to life and start to take personal responsibility for the culture by knowing that culture is the sum total of EVERYONE’S attitude.