The importance of developing enviable and contemporary work cultures

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 | By Paul Jacobs

So, we all know by now that one thing is certain in life: change happens! Sometimes change hits us hard and dramatically, but generally the evolution occurs imperceptibly.

The fact is that we are rarely able to control and direct the socio-economic dynamics that conspire to impact upon our daily existence.

It is, however, prudent to be mindful of the perceived challenges and be ready to embrace the opportunities that change will unquestionably offer.

Of course, by now you will be well acquainted with the discussions regarding Generation Y, the 18-28-year-olds who are by far the largest employee group in history and who will also be the longest living generation of all time.

You know these people, believe me; you manage them, work alongside them, do business with them, find jobs for them and are related to them!

They are not an alien race, they are the here and now and the future, and they have a very different attitude to their workplace and careers shaped by their digital age upbringing and a determined attitude to take greater control of their own destiny.

My question to you therefore is: “Do you believe that your business and your brand attracts and retains this new discerning generation?”

If you have created an enviable and contemporary work culture and your business listens and responds to its audience, your impressive achievement will almost certainly be rewarded with outstanding growth.

If, however, you are unable to respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!”, there is much work to be done, my friends!

Trust me, your brand and culture needs to relate to the current generation if you are to appeal to new associates, imbue loyalty within current colleagues and attract long-term clients and candidates.

We are largely discussing cultural changes here – and a nurturing, tactile attitude to people.    

Manager or a leader?   

The old maxim that ’A manager has staff, but a leader has followers’ is a profound statement of fact.

A leader actively listens, is attentive and forms a vision, and cultivates TRUST!

Outstanding leaders are also humble, sincere and passionate, enthusiastic, consistent, optimistic and encouraging!

A paragon of virtue, you may say, but great cultures begin and end with leaders – so ask yourself ’Am I viewed as a manager or a leader?’ Be honest with your response.

Fun, compelling environment?

OK, so we are not talking about creating a school playground here, but it is entirely possible to have fun, laugh and smile at work and still be incredibly productive!

We spend more time at work than we do at home, so it is critically important to provide a space that is positive, energising, creative and attentive to the needs of colleagues who seek to work in a community that provides much more fulfilment than a monthly source of income.

When you enter your office in the morning, are you greeted with a vibrant, invigorating atmosphere?

Remember our colleagues and associates expect and seek a work experience that mirrors their long-term values and aspirations.

Internal brand enhancement  

Whenever brand equity is discussed, we relate it to attracting clients, but we should give a greater level of emphasis to winning the hearts and minds of our colleagues.

If our own people feel proud of being a member of our community, then our clients and candidates will LOVE to be associated with such a compelling work culture.

It’s all about the engagement of a range of open communication channels, together with the sharing of our value and vision proposition conveyed with passion and inspiration of course!

The quality and robust business models of our era place real focus upon developing contemporary, enviable work cultures that attract and retain loyalty from its colleagues and clients.

You do not need to be a big business to adopt these enduring principles. Just look at the global super brands of today – and remind yourself that many were not in existence 10 to 20 years ago! 

Paul Jacobs is managing director of LoveWork Life,  ’Love Work, Love Life’

paul@loveworklife.com

(m) 07960 550756