Ways to create a good culture for all your employees

4 ways to create a rock-solid culture for all your employees

March 17, 2023 11:00 AM

It's no secret that employees want more from their organizations than just a paycheck and good healthcare benefits. Instead, a vibrant and supportive culture is now more important than any financial incentives an employer can provide.

Younger generations in particular are leading the way in prioritizing healthy work-life balance and making sure they can be themselves both in and out of the office. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok making this even more commonplace, employers have to have an open mind around what work means to people today.

To encourage that exploration, Shiloh Johnson, founder and CEO of Complyant, says she's quick to remind her employees that she works for them — that means that employees should feel free to take time to spend with their families, and she doesn't begrudge anyone for working from home in front of their TV.

Acknowledging employees have multi-faceted lives should be reflected in how your business is run, if you want to attract employees and get them to stay. Check out our recent coverage for how these organizations are getting it right.

Creating culture fit for Gen X, Gen Z, millennials and boomers

With four disparate generations in the modern workforce, benefits and culture have become an even bigger head-scratcher than usual for employers. Is it possible to meet a wide array of needs — and make every generation of workers happy? Yes, when well-being is top of mind. A 2021 Gallup survey of all generations found that every one ranked "an organization that cares about employees' well-being" in the top three criteria they're seeking from a job.

"Well-being is a trend that goes beyond the idea of mental health," Kate Moher, Marsh McLennan Agency's national employee health and benefits practice leader, tells editor-in-chief Stephanie Schomer. "It's culture, it's inclusion, it's financial wellness — it's overall well-being."

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Creating culture fit for Gen X, Gen Z, millennials and boomers

How this small business CEO created an award-winning culture

Shiloh Johnson founded Complyant in 2019 with the mission of helping other small businesses navigate the tax landscape each year. In just three three years, Complyant has been recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work'' in 2023 by Built In, an online community for national start-ups and tech companies. Johnson invests in cultivating a positive work culture where one's personal life is still appreciated and even prioritized over work.

"No one should have to sacrifice dinner with their family," Johnson tells associate editor Deanna Cuadra. "At the end of the day, the work is still going to be there. What if you could have both a good life and your work?"

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How this small business CEO created an award-winning culture

For younger generations, a toxic workplace is a dealbreaker

The term "workplace toxicity" can be applied to any environment employees would describe as poisonous, harmful, or very unpleasant — not exactly a badge of honor. While all generations have experienced a toxic environment at their job, Gen Z is most likely to do something about it: 27% of the youngest generation reported actively trying to leave a toxic situation, compared to 22% of millennials and Gen X and just 16% of boomers, according to a survey by the Muse.

"Gen Z employees have spent less time in the workplace, which means fewer opportunities to interact with a toxic boss or toxic workplace," Kathryn Minshew, CEO of Muse, tells editor Lee Hafner. "We've seen a real push in the last several years to improve the employee experience, and younger generations are less likely to put up with a problematic workplace environment."

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For younger generations, a toxic workplace is a dealbreaker

Your employees are posting on TikTok. What does that mean for your business?

As recently as a decade ago, businesses struggled to handle a wave of social media platforms, unsure of how employees' personal posts about their professional lives might reflect back on an organization. While companies have gotten on board, the rise of video-based platforms like TikTok is challenging workplace norms around what can be shared about company culture.

"HR departments have to know the ROI of social media," Alexandra Anema, social media director at advertising firm Bayard Marketing, tells associate editor Paola Peralta. "They have to understand that in order to be able to recruit a younger audience, they need to showcase who they are on a different level."

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Your employees are posting on TikTok. What does that mean for your business?