Culture is more than just an abstract concept; it’s the foundation that holds teams and companies together. It’s the difference between a thriving, happy workplace and one that feels toxic and draining. In a world where flashy perks like ping pong tables, beer fridges, and sleek offices are often confused for culture, it’s time to look deeper and understand what truly makes a workplace tick.
Culture isn’t about the things you can touch or see—it’s about the feelings, relationships, and values that shape the day-to-day experiences of employees. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best work. So, what does real company culture look like? And how can we create it in a way that benefits everyone?
What Makes a Positive Culture?
True company culture is rooted in connection and support. It’s seen in teams that share lunch together, laugh in the breakroom, and openly communicate ideas. It’s in how coworkers celebrate wins and support one another through challenges. On the flip side, culture can also be negative—it shows up when people gossip behind each other’s backs, when ideas are stifled, or when workers seek out distractions because they’re unhappy at their jobs.
The culture of a company has far-reaching effects, not just on productivity but on the mental and physical well-being of employees. A positive culture fosters collaboration, reduces stress, and enhances the overall satisfaction of team members. Negative culture, however, creates friction, lowers morale, and leads to burnout and high turnover rates.
Why Positive Culture Matters for Employees and the Bottom Line
Why should businesses care about fostering a positive culture? According to Psychology Today, happy employees are more efficient, have fewer medical issues, and take fewer sick days than those who are unhappy or stressed. A Fast Company blog post by Shelley Prevost, PhD, explains that the best workplaces are the ones that “seriously honor the humanity of their people.” In other words, employees aren’t just cogs in a machine—they’re human beings who need connection, purpose, and support to do their best work.
Creating a healthy work culture is also key to reducing turnover. High turnover rates are costly and disruptive to a company’s operations. Happy employees are more likely to stay, grow, and contribute to the company’s long-term success.
Reflect on Your Company’s Culture
If you’re wondering how your company measures up, it’s time to take a closer look. Culture isn’t something you can buy or install—it’s something you nurture. Here are a few questions to help you assess your current workplace culture:
- Does your company have a high turnover rate?
- Do you respect your coworkers? Why or why not?
- How do you feel about your team’s level of camaraderie?
- How often does your team spend time together, outside of work or not related to a business trip?
- Is there an open line of communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas?
Once you’ve answered these questions, imagine what your ideal culture looks like. Write down the real answers and compare them to your ideal responses. If there’s a gap between the two, it’s time to take action. Spend more time fostering positive connections within your team. Whether it’s casual team lunches, team-building activities, or simply taking a moment to show appreciation, small efforts can have a big impact.
It’s Not Too Late to Build the Culture You Want
Creating a positive work culture is always possible, no matter where your company stands today. By investing in meaningful relationships and promoting transparency, trust, and empathy, you can turn things around. Employees thrive when they feel respected and valued, and teams work better in a positive, supportive environment.
If your answers to the earlier questions were mostly positive, congratulations! You’re likely working in a culture that supports growth and happiness. But if not, don’t worry—it’s never too late to make meaningful changes. You have the power to transform your workplace into one that fosters collaboration, trust, and success.
Beyond the Perks: What Really Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the surface-level perks like trendy yoga rooms or beer fridges, but these things alone don’t create a positive culture. While they might offer temporary enjoyment, they won’t keep people engaged or motivated long-term. Instead, focus on what truly matters: the connections you make, the values you uphold, and the support you offer your team.
So, if there was no beer fridge or ping pong table, what would make your work environment fulfilling? Would you still feel valued and motivated? Think about the real essence of culture—mutual respect, shared goals, and a supportive atmosphere.
Conclusion: Culture Keeps the World Turning
At the end of the day, culture is what holds everything together. It’s not the shiny gadgets or trendy office spaces that make a difference—it’s how people treat one another and how connected they feel to their work. Positive culture is the backbone of a thriving company, and it’s what will keep your team motivated and engaged.
So, take the time to reflect on your own workplace culture, and if things aren’t as positive as they could be, start making changes today. It’s never too late to build a supportive, respectful, and happy work environment that everyone can be proud of.