Business stands and falls with culture

Current trends may create the impression that a strong corporate culture is a matter of benefits such as free food and drinks, playrooms or relaxation rooms in the workplace. Culture is, however, the very basis of a company's operation. If it's weak and unstable, no new benefits can save it.

A nice work environment is, of course, an advantage and can help companies attract new workers, but it can't make them stay. Instead of offering new gaming elements, or a broader selection of free drinks, focus on real fundamental changes that will bring you real results.

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If your company takes people management seriously, it should treat corporate culture seriously as well. These three steps that will help you far more than any "cool" benefits were published at Inc.com.

1. Give your employees more power

Companies with healthy cultures believe in their employees and give them a greater degree of autonomy in working and decision making.

For example, a production line worker often knows more about his part of the product than his manager. These workers can point out imperfections or suggest better solutions.

If everything is decided strictly from above, employees have a legitimate feeling that they can only keep silent and execute orders. They definitely don't feel part of something bigger than their daily routine. All this is reflected in the company's business results.

2. Help employees with personal development

The more you understand your employees' professional and personal goals, the better for you. It will then be easier for you to help them meet their goals. You can motivate employees by doing more than you have to for them, and they will do the same for you.

3. Think about employees' personal lives too

Life is not only work. Employers with strong cultures make sure that their people are able to do meaningful work during their working hours, and then they'll have time for other activities outside of work.

If your people are successful and the company is earning higher profits, don't turn employees into workaholics under the impression that success is a matter of working until exhaustion.

Your responsibility is to provide a safe and productive work environment that respects the health and personal lives of employees, in addition to pursuing business results.

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Article source Inc.com - a U.S. magazine and web focused on starting businesses
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