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A strong corporate culture that also feels personally is one of the best ways to create a committed and happy team. It is also one of the most difficult. When companies grow, it can be difficult for the employees to be connected, valued and free to be themselves. But if you do it right, a culture that supports individuality and promotes self -expression promotes morality and makes the entire organization stronger.
In my experience, they tend to take care of their work, connect with the mission and the values and stay in the company. Here is what I have learned about creating a workplace where people are valued and free to be themselves.
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Do it personally
Personalization is a large part of how we connect with the world these days. Think of Netflix or Spotify. What makes her up and down is the way your content feels tailored to her. If the platform recommends something that fits your taste, it feels satisfactory – as if it were “she”. But when it is over, it's frustrating.
The workplace is no different. People thrive in environments in which they feel understood. A study by the US Chamber of Commerce showed that if they personalize their work areas with things such as family photos or works of art, the employees increase their connection to the company.
Request the uniform approach
In the past, many companies have tried to create a single corporate culture in which everyone has to fit. But in some sectors and especially in the creative industry, the variety of behavior and thinking is a strength.
Instead of expecting everyone to fits, they create platforms that encourage people to express their individuality. For example, some companies have the employees of employees design, vote and other decisions about their company fluctuations. It is an entertaining way to involve people in something personal and at the same time build up a sense of community.
Offer a number of activities during the organization of large corporate events, so that there is something for everyone or for at least as many people as possible. Think of the introverted and extroverted in your teams and indicate options in which everyone can find something that speaks to you and get you to be part of the occasion.
Another idea is to have the employees take the lead in organizing their own initiatives and projects and to receive company resources to support them. I saw how basketball teams, vocal groups and volunteer projects gave people the opportunity to share their passions with others, build real connections and make the work more pleasant.
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Promote individuality
A strong corporate culture should still give people the space to be themselves. One way to do this is to support individuality through dress. If the employees feel comfortable when they express themselves by expressing what they are wearing, they feel rather comfortable if they have themselves in other ways. This comes from above. When company managers prescribe their own self -expression, everyone else feels comfortable.
Another example is the tools and resources that employees use every day. By requesting the tools that are best suited for you, from a constant desk to a certain type of computer or special software, both show that you take care of your preferences and lead to better and more efficient work.
Most jobs offer snacks and refreshments in the office kitchen, and this is another place where you can support your team to express yourself. I have seen how it is a small but easy way to request you based on nutritional needs or easy personal preferences, to store certain objects, whether you are seen and more included due to nutritional needs or just personal preferences.
Why it's worth the effort
When people feel like they are seen and appreciated, this changes the way they approach work. They are more committed, more creative and are more there. And in industries that depend on innovation and fresh ideas, it is important to have employees who feel connected and inspired by essential importance.
The work of this kind of culture naturally requires effort. It means listening to be deliberate and making changes if something does not work. But it's worth it. If employees know that they are important as individuals, they will give the team more of themselves and everyone benefits.
Personalization also supports business. Employees who like to express their individuality and share their diverse perspectives bring new ideas and unique aspects to overcome business challenges.
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Be intended to create a feeling of belonging
A great workplace culture does not happen – it is the result of a list of small, thoughtful acts over time that show people that are important. Regardless of whether there is freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions or to act on their feedback, everything adds up.
The goal is to create a place where people feel comfortable when they bring their whole themselves to work. If you enable this, you not only build up a company, but a community. And here the real magic happens.