How to rethink communicating company culture

Culture has little or nothing to do with what people wear, social events, and office perks. Culture is defined by how we work and how we treat each other. Here’s why.

Companies spend a lot of time, energy, and resources dressing their offices and teams in superficial, supposedly fun, and inspiring coating – casual outfits, lounge furniture, game rooms, social get-togethers, snacks – you name it. Great – perks are nice! But they can never replace transparency, inclusion, and compassion. Those values have nothing to do with interior design, but everything to do with how we show or don’t show compassion towards our colleagues, especially if we are managers or have other leading positions. Watch your behavior – it sets the tone.

The way we work is not ‘also culture’ – it is the central component of corporate culture. By setting certain standards and routines for how, when, and why we collaborate (or not), we contribute to how a company culture evolves.

Do you schedule meetings at lunchtime or expect attendance at events outside regular working hours? That demonstrates lack of respect for people’s time.

Do you consider parents’ childcare obligations when planning dates and times for important meetings? That’s essential to being inclusive to employees with children.