Positivity check: Why transforming workplace culture is essential
How do you foresee your company's work culture to be like? When HR professionals and talent leaders are asked, they often list different aspects of a successful work environment. Some of these might already be part of their company's culture, while others might not. Nevertheless, such questions leave HR leaders brainstorming about the necessity of 'reshaping workplace culture' to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. It's no surprise that a positive work culture can benefit organisations in multiple ways, including open communication, growth opportunities, creativity, healthy relationships, and a sense of belonging. People Matters brings insights into some of the significant benefits that positive workplace culture can bring to your business today.
#1 Enhances Employer Branding
A positive workplace culture plays a crucial role in bolstering your organisation's public image as evident when employees are genuinely enthusiastic about being part of your team. This enthusiasm not only boosts morale but also positions your organisation as a top choice for top talent in the job market. In his book, "Talent Chooses You: Hire Better with Employer Branding," author James Ellis explains that employer branding doesn't require a heavy budget for a dedicated team, expensive platforms, or a bunch of consultants. Instead, it entails a leadership commitment to better strategy in understanding, distilling, and communicating, creating a place where people will want to work.
#2 Better Employee Relations
Transparency, a supportive work environment, open communication, and opportunities for learning and growth are key elements for building stronger relationships with employees today. In a recent survey conducted by PwC across the Middle East, it was revealed that young talent today seeks a supportive work environment, greater transparency in diversity and inclusion efforts, flexible working arrangements, better work-life balance, reduced workload, team engagement, and opportunities for upskilling. Creating a positive workplace where employees can bring their whole selves will bolster engagement and enhance their experience, ultimately improving employer-employee relations.
#3 Talent attraction and retention
The shift in today's employment landscape underscores key areas where HR leaders have opportunities for improved talent management. Particularly in the Middle East, where the workforce is swiftly gravitating towards organisations that provide better compensation, benefits, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for career advancement, HR leaders must strategize their talent management agenda. Prioritising learning and development opportunities in the workplace will nurture and prepare future-ready talent. Additionally, it's essential to consider creating an attractive employee value proposition that aligns with the dynamic landscape of today and meets the changing expectations as Gen Z talent enters the workforce.
#4 Enhanced well-being of employees
Wellness is of utmost importance to employees today, as an increasing share of the workforce report high stress levels and plan to change jobs for better work-life balance and reduced workload, even if it comes with lower pay, as revealed in the 2024 UAE Salary Guide by Robert Half. Additionally, the majority of workers in the UAE and KSA are dissatisfied with their current benefits package and are seeking companies that offer better benefits, including savings, life insurance, critical illness cover, child education allowance, dependent cover, and financial well-being. Therefore, better benefits and holistic well-being programmes can lead to a positive work environment where workers want to stay.
#5 Improved collaboration and team building
As the world adapted to changes brought about by the pandemic and embraced new work practices, such as remote work, employees worldwide no longer experienced the enduring benefits of working together under one roof. Additionally, the impact of the continuous efforts made by HR and talent professionals to embrace opportunities for building a thriving work culture, even in these new work arrangements, was less effective. Why? There could be several reasons, but key analogy for the pre-COVID and post-COVID eras is the lack of appreciation, recognition, and teamwork. Therefore, by embracing an effective teamwork strategy where all employees contribute, collaborate and communicate openly, will result in a sense of belonging in the workplace even in a remote or hybrid work arrangement. Additionally, leadership engagement for sharing lessons and experiences with their employees can contribute to fostering a positive work culture, and in turn creating a productive and engaged team, as per the actionables outlined for senior leadership in the PwC survey.