The Secrets to Building a Thriving Company Culture

Dec 28, 2024

Discover the secrets to building a thriving company culture from seasoned HR professional Soreya Senior, who brings over 30 years of expertise in the field.
Soreya shares her transformative culture shock moment, lessons in leadership, and actionable advice on fostering trust, open communication, and employee well-being.

Introduction

Building a thriving company culture is more important than ever in today’s competitive business landscape. It attracts and retains top talent and drives employee engagement and productivity. To gain insights into the secrets of building a successful culture, we turn to Soreya Senior, a seasoned HR professional with over 30 years of experience. In this article, we will explore the key factors contributing to longevity and success in the HR field, delve into a culture shock moment that shaped Soreya’s perspective on culture and leadership, and uncover red and green flags that signal the health of a company’s culture.

The Key Factors for Longevity and Success in HR

Soraya Senior attributes her longevity and success in HR to several key factors. Firstly, she genuinely loves what she does. HR is an ever-evolving landscape, and Soraya enjoys continuous learning and understanding of what motivates people. Additionally, her diverse experience in various sectors and organisations keeps her work fresh and exciting. Lastly, Soreya’s passion for people and their career journeys, coupled with a strong network and community, contributes to her longevity in the field.

The Culture Shock Moment: A Lesson in Leadership and Culture

Soraya shares a formative experience where a hierarchical and dismissive leadership team treated her in a disposable manner. This culture shock moment made her realise the importance of strong leadership and its impact on company culture. She learned that providing advice and expertise is valuable, but ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether to take that advice. This experience shaped Soreya’s perspective on the role of leadership in creating a culture of trust, open communication, and accountability.

Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Toxic Work Culture

During the interview process, red flags often indicate potential issues with a company’s culture. Soraya advises candidates to be mindful of these warning signs and ask probing questions to better understand the organisation. Red flags may include a need for more transparency, frequent changes in direction, high turnover rates, and poor communication. By paying attention to these indicators, candidates can make more informed decisions about whether a company’s culture aligns with their values and career goals.

Green Flags: Indicators of a Healthy and Thriving Work Culture

On the flip side, there are green flags that signal a healthy and thriving work culture. Soraya highlights the importance of organisations prioritising open communication, purpose-driven work, and employee well-being. Companies that encourage dialogue, provide opportunities for growth and development, and foster a sense of purpose in their employees are more likely to have a positive and engaging culture. Green flags also include organisations that value work-life balance, prioritise mental health, and create a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Role of HR in Shaping Company Culture

As an HR leader, it is crucial to be brave and initiate conversations with leadership about the desired culture and how to achieve it. HR professionals can guide the organisation towards a more cohesive culture by conducting a culture audit and understanding the gaps between leadership’s perception and employees’ experiences. It is also important to leverage data from employee engagement surveys, performance reviews, and exit interviews to identify areas for improvement and take timely action. HR leaders should hold themselves and the leadership team accountable for creating and maintaining a positive work culture.

Conclusion

Building a thriving company culture requires intentional leadership, open communication, and a focus on employee well-being. Candidates can make informed decisions about their career choices by paying attention to red flags during the interview process and seeking out green flags that indicate a healthy culture. HR professionals play a crucial role in shaping company culture by initiating conversations, leveraging data, and holding leadership accountable. By following these insights from Soreya Senior, organisations can create a culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee engagement, and drives overall success.

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