Company culture is one of the hot topics in business right now.
But when companies talk about their culture, they’re often inadvertently having very different conversations to their employees.
Many can be found guilty of speaking in buzzwords without really bringing substance to the conversation, whilst others just don’t understand what their staff are really looking for.
But the truth is, the way a company treats its employees can be a great forecaster of its success. A business which does not value its staff is at risk of losing them and will struggle to retain great talent. On the other hand, a company with a culture of respect and reward will nurture and encourage its staff development and allow them to grow alongside it.
With that in mind, these are just three UK businesses whose approach to company culture and working practices fosters positivity and productivity.
- Ormiston Wire
Ormiston Wire was founded in 1793, and over a century later the wire manufacturers are still going strong.
But it was in the 1970s that their pioneering approach to productivity was implemented. Around this time, it was commonplace for employees to be paid every Friday morning. This led to something of a tradition amongst staff, who would enjoy a drink with their lunch on payday.
Unfortunately, as the company relied on staff operating heavy machinery, this practice led to safety concerns amongst bosses. But rather than punish their staff, the business took a different approach. Instead, they decided to give their employees Friday afternoons off so that they could enjoy their payday celebrations safely.
Whilst these types of concessions are becoming more common in the 21st century, it was extremely rare back in the 1970s. But the company continues to operate to these hours to this day, with great success.
- Techsixtyfour Ltd
Techsixtyfour Ltd is a UK-based wearable tech company owned by mum-of-two Colleen Wong.
The Gator Watch, its flagship product, is a GPS tracker and communication device designed to help parents keep an eye on their young children, and the company’s ethos has families in mind at every step.
That’s why Wong’s fantastic family-friendly philosophy has filtered down through her business and working practices to encourage full flexibility for her employees.
- People Insight
Another great example of practising what they preach, People Insight are a survey and consultancy brand dedicated to improving employee experiences in the workplace.
So perhaps its no surprise that their own approach to company culture is a model for our times. Offering flexibility to their employees when it comes to working hours, remote hours and carefully curated communication that ensures the company is run democratically and prioritise the opinions of staff, theirs is a welcoming working environment with a great track record of employee satisfaction.
Conversations about company culture are constantly changing, and what employees expect has evolved since the pandemic. But these three brands are ahead of the curve in their working practices.
How does your workplace encourage good company culture? Tell us about it in the comments below.