As more organizations move out of the office due to COVID, companies are focusing on culture more than ever before. While culture comes in all shapes and sizes, an efficient culture makes all the difference. Not only does it result in engaged, proactive employees, but it also increases company revenue.
In order to maximize your own brand’s culture, it’s helpful to take a look at some of the companies leading the way. A reported 88% of job seekers say that a healthy culture at work is vital for success. Still, many brands fall short year after year. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at 4 examples of companies creating an efficient culture (and what you can learn from them).
1. Adobe
First, you’ll quickly discover work culture isn’t about pizza parties and office perks. It’s about trusting employees and investing in strong, passionate leadership. At Adobe, employees are encouraged to be creative, express themselves, and collaborate. Referring to their employees as Adobians, this company was recognized as one of Fortune’s top 100 companies to work for 16 times in a row. The vocabulary you use when referring to your employees matters (team, cast members, Adobians), and it’s a way this creative brand sets the tone.
Why does Adobe stand out? The secret lies in giving their employees the freedom to be creative at work. As a creative brand, they lean into these strengths and avoid micromanaging. It’s always important to align your company culture with your company strategy. Adobe sees employees’ creativity as their greatest asset, and this is one of the signs of an efficient culture in the workplace.
2. Chevron
While you might not think of an oil and gas company when you consider positive PR, Chevron reigns supreme in this space as a leader in culture. Known as “the Chevron way,” this company is dedicated to the safety, health, and support of the entire team. With things like health centers on-site and other health-oriented programs, they take real action to put their employees first.
Better yet, Chevron succeeds because it understands the importance of work-life integration. Employees are encouraged to take breaks when they need to, and they know their work is recognized. With a reported 81% of employees who take daily breaks having higher engagement in their company’s mission, this pays off.
3. REI
The outdoor-adventure brand REI is a cooperative that shares profits with member-owners, and it also places a lot of value on teamwork. The company’s success isn’t from its marketing, sales strategy, or commitment to quality. Instead, REI acknowledges that the company’s success is entirely led by workers.
Not only does REI provide grants to help their employees afford gear and equipment for adventurous journeys, but they also take internal feedback seriously. Efficient culture needs strong communication to succeed, and this is easier said than done. Through anonymous town hall-style meetings, REI answers questions directly from employees to keep lines of communication open.
4. Southwest
Airline companies aren’t always known for their commitment to customer service, but Southwest Airlines stands out for a reason. With over 43 years of experience, Southwest continues to arrive on top in terms of customer loyalty and support. What’s helping them lead the way in hospitality? The answer is their award-winning service team.
Not only do they clearly communicate roles, goals, and leadership styles with all levels, but they also empower their team to go above and beyond. They understand that customers need different types of care, and they trust their teams to use their judgment to do just that. When leadership empowers teams to do their best, everyone is working towards the same goals.
Understanding the Role of Efficient Culture
Ultimately, many of the companies above offer the same perks, benefits, and office spaces. While these might seem important at first glance, they don’t truly determine a company’s culture. Instead, it matters how company leadership values employees. These are the building blocks of actionable company culture.
The best type of efficient culture creates a welcoming, inclusive space for all. It encourages teamwork, collaboration, and shared goals. These shining examples above span many different industries, but they all have a similar story to tell. By focusing on the success and empowerment of employees, they take their revenue even further.