Crack the Code to Workplace Culture: Boost Inclusion, Retention, and Success

Jan 12, 2025

Uncover the keys to creating an inclusive and innovative workplace culture with corporate culture expert Ramya Ganesh with years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Ramya shares her transformative journey, insights on hybrid work, and actionable strategies for supporting working parents, fostering trust, and aligning values with actions.

Introduction

Navigating the intricate landscape of human resources and culture transformation can be a daunting task. In a recent episode of “Rolling Stories,” hosted by Adrian Tan, Ramya Ganesh, an expert in corporate culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), shared invaluable insights on fostering a positive workplace culture, identifying red and green flags in corporate environments, and the pivotal role of leaders in shaping these cultures. By exploring Ramya’s journey and her advice, we uncover actionable strategies that HR leaders and organizations can implement to create a thriving, inclusive, and innovative workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Culture is Defined by Values in Action: An organization’s values must be translated into day-to-day behavior to establish a strong corporate culture.
• Support Working Parents for Better Retention: Companies should provide inclusive policies, flexible work arrangements, and strong support groups to retain top talent.
• Leaders Shape Culture: Leaders must lead by example, embrace vulnerability, and provide honest feedback to foster a positive culture.

Defining and Living Organizational Culture

The Essence of Corporate Culture

“Culture is values in action,” Ramya Ganesh clarifies, emphasizing that a company’s culture is seen through its daily practices and behaviors. For instance, if an organization values diversity and inclusion, it must ensure that all employees feel safe to express their ideas and that their voices are heard. Ramya succinctly states:

“Does everyone feel welcome there? Do people have a voice and feel safe to share opinions and ideas?”

When actions align with organizational values, a genuine culture of inclusivity forms. This alignment isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. Ramya references a Harvard Business Review study, noting that companies with robust cultures see significantly higher revenue growth. Therefore, embedding values into everyday actions is not only vital for internal cohesion but also for long-term success.

Supporting Working Parents: A Strategic Imperative

Inclusive Policies and Flexible Work Arrangements

Organizations must evolve to support the nuanced challenges faced by working parents. Ramya shares a personal story of receiving a raise during her pregnancy despite managing complications and working from home. This support manifested in her staying at the company for over 11 years, highlighting the business benefits of inclusively supporting employees.

Ramya suggests three tactical steps companies can take:

1. Inclusive Policies and Benefits: 
   • Expand beyond maternity leave to offer parental leave, accommodating all types of parents.
   • For example, Spotify offers a six-month fully paid parental leave, which can be taken within the first three years of the child’s life.
2. Flexible Work Options: 
   • Implement hybrid work, remote work, compressed work weeks, flex hours, and flex locations to accommodate the diverse needs of working parents.
3. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): 
   • ERGs foster a sense of belonging and community. Ramya underscores their impact by recalling a colleague who remained with the organization largely due to his emotional connection through active participation in an ERG.

Supporting working parents not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives retention and loyalty, forming a resilient workforce ready to excel.

Hybrid Work and Culture Building

Making Hybrid Work Effective

The pandemic has ushered in an era where hybrid work environments are the norm, challenging traditional culture-building practices. Ramya asserts the importance of balancing in-person interactions with remote work to foster collaboration and innovation. However, she cautions against a control-oriented approach, which can be counterproductive.

“Trusting your employees and measuring outputs, and rewarding based on performance are far more effective strategies than just micromanaging time and space.”

To navigate hybrid work successfully, organizations must return to the basics:

• Team Charters: Develop team charters collaboratively to outline how teams will connect, communicate, and maintain flexibility.
• Inclusive Technology: Ensure the technology used caters to all employees, considering regional variations.
• Smart Meetings: Organize meetings with clear agendas and actively involve remote participants.
• Social Events: Plan both in-person and virtual social events to maintain team spirit.
• Iterative Feedback: Constantly gather feedback and refine approaches to improve the hybrid work experience.

Leaders play a crucial role in modeling desired behaviors, fostering a culture of trust and accountability rather than oversight and control.

Broadening the Horizon: Future of Workplace Culture

Embracing Wellbeing, Lifelong Learning, and Human Intelligence

Looking ahead, Ramya is excited about cultures that prioritize employee wellbeing, lifelong learning, and human intelligence. She highlights the increasing importance of mental health, continuous upskilling, and fostering human connections in an era dominated by AI and automation.

• Wellbeing: A 2022 survey revealed a significant decline in employee mental health, making it imperative for organizations to focus on wellbeing.
• Lifelong Learning: The World Economic Forum predicts a shift in job landscapes with new roles emerging in AI, data analysis, and green technology. Organizations must invest in continuous learning to stay relevant.
• Human Intelligence: Despite technological advancements, human empathy, emotional intelligence, and connection will remain irreplaceable. Leaders should cultivate these traits to create an authentic and inclusive workplace.

Ramya’s advice for leaders underscores these points:

“If culture eats strategy for breakfast, it shapes everything else on the menu.”

Leaders need to foster an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, balancing performance with wellbeing and continuous growth.

Ramya’s insights provide a blueprint for organizations aiming to transform their culture. By aligning values with actions, supporting working parents, embracing hybrid work, and preparing for future cultural shifts, companies can create a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace.

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