Company Culture

Everyone loves the promise that comes with a fresh start, and the New Year offers a perfect backdrop to reset and revitalize your company's culture. It's a chance to redefine the shared values that make your workplace unique and get everyone on the same page about where you want your company to go.

Still, creating an atmosphere where everyone's excited to come to work isn't just about motivational posters or Taco Tuesdays. It's about building a space where the values, attitudes, and big wins are all aligned with your company’s values. 

Gary Vee put it simply, “If a company has great culture, it can be the backbone of their success.” 

Today, we'll dive into the how-tos of a company culture reset: smart, savvy decisions that can spark a positive shift and amp up your team's morale. 

What Is Toxic Company Culture?

Toxic company culture is rarely caused by a single event. Instead, it comes from an ongoing atmosphere that breeds stress and discontent. In these environments, unethical behaviors, disrespect, and a lack of inclusivity are the norm rather than the exception. 

"Recognizing the signs of a toxic culture is crucial,” says Greg Hannley, Founder and CEO of Soba Texas. “Leaders should understand the negative impact of a work environment where employees dread coming to work." 

It's important for leadership to address these issues head-on. A healthy culture is foundational to employee engagement and company success. Identifying and rectifying toxic elements improves morale and reinvigorates a company's performance and reputation.

Prioritize Employee Well-Being as a Pillar of Success

Employee well-being is critical for the health of any organization. It goes beyond occasional wellness programs to an everyday commitment to your team's physical and mental health. Companies that get this right tend to have happier, more productive employees — and that's good for business.

"Prioritizing the well-being of employees is fundamental,” explains Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. “It reflects a company's true commitment to its people and sets the stage for long-term success." 

When employees feel disrespected and overlooked, the consequences can ripple through an entire organization, leading to decreased engagement, productivity, and retention. Be proactive and keep your key players focused on creating a supportive environment that encourages well-being at all levels.

Craft a Collective Vision of Success

Success in the workplace is a team sport. When everyone’s included in the conversation, they’re more invested in the goal. Being a part of the collaboration allows employees to visualize, define, and take ownership of their contributions. 

“Create a shared definition of success,” suggests Dominique Zimmermann, CEO and Head Designer of Bombshell Sportswear. “This ensures that every team member understands the company's objectives while seeing their role in achieving them.”

As you prepare your calendar for the new year, schedule time for the team to brainstorm and communicate ideas together. Everyone should be able to clearly define their goals and how they will impact the company when they reach them. When you have everyone working towards the same end result, you’ll see how it creates a wave of momentum. 

Set Clear Intentions for the Year Ahead

The beginning of a new year is a prime opportunity to instill a sense of purpose in every team member. Understanding the “why” behind their daily tasks helps fill them with a sense of pride and keeps them engaged.

"Having clear motives and creating a plan are the secrets to a company's success," emphasizes Joseph Antoun, MD, PHD, MPP, and CEO of Prolon, a company known for their fasting mimicking diet technology. "It aligns the team's individual efforts with your overall vision."

Dedicate time early in the year to ensure everyone grasps the company's purpose and goals. Encouraging each person to set and share their intentions fosters a sense of ownership and commitment. This distinct direction sets the pace for the year's achievements and keeps motivation high.

Elevate Team Energy for Peak Performance

The energy we bring to work is infectious, and it's a leader's job to ensure it's the right kind of energy. By fostering an environment of enthusiasm, gratitude, and positivity, you're not just creating a pleasant workplace; you're setting the stage for more success and better connections.

"Business leaders have to set the tone of the energy for the entire team," states Kevin Miller, Founder of kevinmiller.com. "Without intentional choices to promote a positive environment, employees tend to get negative over time."

Simple actions like a genuine smile or a few words of encouragement can easily transform the work environment. Set an example by making these positive interactions part of your daily routine and encourage others to do the same.  

Promote Employee Growth To Increase Potential

Your company can be a champion of growth in the new year by creating an environment where team members are supported to evolve, both in their careers and their personal lives. Employees who see their company actively investing in their growth feel a deeper sense of loyalty and enthusiasm for their work.

"Personal and professional growth should go hand in hand," notes Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble. "Investing in the development of the whole team not only enhances company performance but also attracts new talent to drive more success."

When the career growth plan is transparent, employees are more motivated to take the steps they need to take. This clarity breeds a culture of encouragement, showing that the company values their achievements and supports their success. 

Recognize Big Wins and Spotlight Success

publive-image

In a similar vein, a strong company culture thrives on recognizing and celebrating achievements together. When the whole team is a part of the celebration, they develop a deeper connection to the company and a clearer understanding of their role in its success.

"Recognition is a powerful motivator," asserts Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. "You want to reinforce the behaviors and results that embody the company's values."

Express a commitment to spotlight individual accomplishments as well as team milestones in the new year. Recognition shouldn’t be top-down only; it's most effective when it comes from peers as well. This shared practice of acknowledgment can significantly reduce turnover and strengthen team bonds, propelling the company culture toward one that's truly outstanding.

Adapt to New Workplace Dynamics

A major component of company culture is flexibility. Employees have a strong need to balance their professional and personal life. Cultivating a culture that embraces adaptable schedules and generous vacation policies shows respect for the team beyond the work they do.

"Flexibility in the workplace is not a perk; it's a fundamental shift in our work-life approach," explains Maegan Griffin, Founder, CEO and nurse practitioner at Skin Pharm. "Craft a supportive environment that recognizes the whole person, not just the employee."

Leaders have to support flexible work arrangements and employees need to manage their responsibilities with integrity. When you can strike this balance, the entire team member can blend their work and personal life in a way that makes sense for them.

Ignite Your Team’s Passion This Year

A company thrives when its culture is alive with passion. That zest for work that goes beyond the paycheck – it's what makes a job feel like part of a bigger mission. For the new year, make it a goal to not just hit targets but to infuse your work with genuine enthusiasm and purpose.

Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, says, “Culture is simply a shared way of doing something with passion.”

To get there, start with the basics: Communicate your mission and values clearly. Make them part of every conversation and decision. Then, live out those principles every day. When your team sees passion coming from the top and mirrored in their colleagues, it becomes contagious. 

Openly Address the Importance of Mental Health

The mental well-being of your team is not just a personal issue; it's a business matter. With a notable rise in employee burnout, addressing mental health is an urgent priority. Recent findings indicate that over half of the workforce experiences burnout, a condition exacerbated by remote work's unique challenges.

"Mental health support is integral to a healthy company culture," advocates Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for their safe kids phone options. "Companies have to remain committed to assessing goals and providing resources that uphold the team's well-being."

Make sure the leaders in your company understand the importance of balancing ambition with empathy. Expanding benefits like wellness days, ample PTO, and flexible scheduling can significantly enhance work-life balance. Encourage personal check-ins during one-on-ones so employees can voice concerns and seek support if necessary. 

Cultivate Tomorrow’s Culture Today

Take advantage of the new year's momentum and channel it into real cultural change. It's about daily choices and consistent actions that align with the shared values and vision.

"A vibrant company culture starts with the leader," says Saad Alam, CEO and Co-Founder of Hone Health. "Every action, every interaction, shapes the culture."

Let this year be defined by a commitment to an environment of support, growth, and recognition. Encourage your team to live out the values that make your company unique. Begin today, turning policy into practice, and let that momentum carry you forward into every tomorrow.