“Quiet quitting”, where employees don’t do more than is needed to fulfil job descriptions, and the “great resignation” continue to grab attention in the workplace.

There are many reasons why employees might feel the need to set boundaries around work or disengage. But “quiet quitting” and the “great resignation” often shine attention on the elephant in the room - Culture at Work. 

The post-pandemic world of work is still clouded by uncertainty, with many employees needing clarity on the behaviours and traits expected of them as they navigate the complex modern workplace. Work culture is especially critical in times of change and uncertainty because it’s often the magic that drives a common purpose. And we’ve all heard the oft quoted adage, “Culture eats Strategy for breakfast.”

Yet, Culture is often left to chance. And, to periodic feel-good executive town halls.  

So, why not train the Work Culture you want?

Being proactive in training the attributes and behaviours of the desired Culture allows organisations to be intentional in building the social contract with their workforce. Such initiatives require mass participation, as unless everyone across teams, business units and locations understands how to demonstrate the culture code, success will be elusive.

What are the 5 things to focus on to build a Culture fit for modern work?

• Communication: Direct, open, and courteous communication helps address challenges as they arise and resolves them before they become problems. It builds respect for each other and trust. Good communication also gives a sense of purpose which keeps employees engaged.
• Time Management: Training employees on how they can gain control over their time by learning what to prioritise, how to focus and how to set boundaries around work helps lower stress and build a culture where people aren’t constantly feeling overwhelmed.
• Curiosity: A mindset that’s open to new ideas can be trained. It will help professionals navigate through ambiguity by asking questions, experimenting, and constantly learning – all of which ultimately translate to building a growth mindset that embraces change and is unafraid to fail.
• Empathy: The skill of putting yourself in others’ shoes is a powerful human trait for organisational effectiveness. Identifying and understanding the emotional states of others mitigates employee burnout, helps build connections and bonds and is the basis of healthy work culture.
• Collaboration: As diverse workforces take shape, with inter-generational and global teams increasingly relying on each other, employees need skills of how to think and work together, drawing energy and ideas from multiple perspectives so they can be creative, innovate and bring new solutions to market.

Intentional focus on training these skills helps employees feel more confident to confront behavioural roadblocks without feeling depleted or judged by managers or colleagues.

Helping employees manage time effectively, communicate with purpose and build connections will keep them engaged and motivated. A company’s culture doesn’t flow from the top to the bottom - every member of an organisation has the power to exercise these skills.

To see how clients such as DB Schenker, HCL, MAS Holdings, Kuok Group and PwC use our products to build high-performing teams and improve work culture, TALK TO US.