Ever wonder why some workplaces seem happier, more confident, or more efficient? Why employees at top performing companies continue beating out competitors? These organizations look the same as others from afar, but take a closer look and you will find it’s the people inside the organization producing the differences, and the differences involve either winning or losing in business. So then, how do these organizations ensure present and future success?
Research suggests culture plays a large role with keeping success alive across time in organizations and can be attributed to something as simple as working within a work culture of fulfilled employees. Focusing on positive work activities, rewarding achievements, and making time for play and creativity at work are among a few examples of what mentally fit organizations do. But wait….what is the catch? There actually exists no catch other than identifying what is good, and promoting the growth of the good. After a content culture is achieved, employees can begin to work in meaningful and goal oriented ways. The most successful organizations suggest using appreciative inquiry (AI) to bring desirable work behaviors into culture. AI believes examples of positive work behaviors are already present within all organizations, and once behaviors are discovered, desirable behaviors can be nurtured to promote future growth and job satisfaction. To truly understand the process, leaders must first define what a happy culture would look like, and then begin painting a new picture for the organization.
The glass door survey below came as no shocker when culture took the gold, ranking even higher than compensation when workplace needs were evaluated.
The Workplace Scientist 