4 ways to cultivate a positive firm culture

4 ways to cultivate a positive work culture

October 22, 2021 1:39 PM

Happy employees are the foundation of a positive work culture, which helps create an atmosphere that fosters staff loyalty, success and productivity. Happy employees have increased job satisfaction leading to improved communication, teamwork and work-life balance.

Learning to cultivate a positive work culture may seem challenging, but practicing a positive, purpose-driven work culture helps offset workplace stressors and creates an environment in which your employees can thrive. Not only does this benefit your team, but it increases the success of your firm as well.

Benefits of a purpose-driven work culture

Everyone craves a purpose, and when it comes to work, creating a purpose-driven workplace is essential for employee happiness and engagement. A firm with a purpose-driven approach creates value and meaning for your employees. When employees align with your firm’s purpose, they feel a genuine connection to the work that they are doing.

Studies show that workplace happiness makes people around 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. Fostering a positive, productive company culture is an extremely effective way to boost team morale at your firm. It helps to ensure employees are happy and they enjoy their time when at work.

Positive work culture also attracts the right talent. With remote work now being widespread, there is a vast, untapped pool of talent in the accounting industry. Accountants look for a firm where leadership will utilize their skills and capabilities in the best manner.

Retaining your best employees and talent is essential to the success of your firm. It is not difficult when your employees feel they are treated well every day, and their hard work and contributions are recognized.

How to facilitate a positive work culture

There are many different ways to facilitate a positive work culture in your firm, but the best way is to ensure you meet your employees’ physical, mental and emotional needs.

Foster social connections

A large number of studies show that social connections in the workplace provide many desirable results. People are happier, take fewer sick days, learn faster and perform better. Getting to know your employees outside of the professional setting is also essential for improving the work environment. Make it a goal to learn something new about your team in every conversation and connect with them on a personal level.

Practice active listening and give feedback

A common mistake in the workplace that leads to high turnover rates is a lack of communication and empathy. Leaders who show compassion and practice active listening with employees decrease turnover in challenging times.

Nurture a work culture where both employees and leadership share constructive feedback so everyone can work in a way that is best for the company. If you tell your staff how to improve, be open to feedback yourself. Your employees need to know you have not only the company’s best interest at heart but theirs as well.

Praise and recognize hard work

Use recognition and praise to motivate your employees and increase their commitment to your firm. Employees who receive regular praise and recognition are more productive, loyal and satisfied with the work they do. When your staff knows their hard work is appreciated, they will deliver better work performance, which increases workplace happiness and helps your firm’s overall goals.

Promote work-life balance

Research by Georgetown University shows that

80% of employees

would be happier with flexible work schedules that meet their personal needs. Flexible work schedules increase a sense of control over work-life balance. Giving teams control and freedom to adapt their schedule to their home life empowers them and reinforces a sense of trust, prompting everyone to do their best work.

Having a good work-life balance gives every member of your team an understanding of their role in your firm and that you value their life outside of work. Offering flexibility and personal incentives such as remote days, discounts on wellness programs and increased vacation days shows that you care about their overall well-being and quality of life.

As you now know, cultivating a positive work culture leads to happy, successful employees and an all-around, more pleasant work environment. Making a few simple changes, such as increasing

communication

and flexibility while giving your staff praise and constructive feedback, boosts employee morale and reduces turnover.

Change won’t happen overnight, but taking the time to foster a positive work culture benefits you, your employees and the success of your firm.