Lesson 1.3: Identifying Your Current Workplace Culture

Identifying the Signs of Workplace Culture

Recognising the signs of both positive and toxic workplace cultures is crucial for leaders seeking to foster a healthy work environment.

Signs of Positive Culture:

• High employee engagement and satisfaction: Employees express their commitment and satisfaction through positive feedback and performance.
• Open communication and feedback: Channels for communication are transparent, allowing employees to voice their opinions and concerns.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Employees work well together, share knowledge, and support one another in achieving common goals.
• Recognition and appreciation of efforts: Achievements, both big and small, are celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation.

Signs of Toxic Culture:

• High turnover rates and absenteeism: Frequent departures and absenteeism can indicate dissatisfaction and disengagement among employees.
• Poor communication and siloed departments: Lack of open communication can lead to misunderstandings and hinder collaboration.
• Lack of trust and transparency: Employees feel uncertain about their roles and the organisation’s direction, leading to disengagement.
• Employees feeling undervalued or overworked: High stress levels and burnout can result from a culture that prioritises productivity over employee wellbeing.

Reflecting on Your Organisation’s Culture

As leaders reflect on their organisation’s culture, they should consider how it aligns with their leadership values. For example, if a leader values transparency but observes a culture of secrecy, this misalignment can undermine trust and engagement.

Reflection Questions:

• Are the organisation’s core values clearly defined and communicated?
• Do the existing norms promote a collaborative and innovative environment?
• How do employees perceive their leaders, and how does this influence their behaviour?

Culture Audit and Reflective Exercise

Conducting a culture audit is an essential step in evaluating your organisation’s current culture. A culture audit can help reveal strengths and weaknesses, enabling leaders to make informed decisions on how to foster a more positive environment.

Instructions:

• Take some time to reflect on the questions asked throughout this lesson and assess your company culture. Use the attached template as a guide if you wish.
• Consider each aspect of your culture, including values, norms, and behaviours. How do these elements contribute to or detract from your overall workplace environment?
• Take all the time you need for this self-assessment; it is a real and important part of the course. Reflecting on these questions will provide a deeper understanding of your organisational culture and guide you towards making impactful improvements.