Good Company Culture Is More Than Bean Bags And Ping Pong Tables

Written by Sheu Quen

4 minute read

Ask any millennial today to describe their ideal workplace culture and more often than not, it will include catered bottom-less pantries, meditation rooms, video games and comfy bean bags scattered around to make me-time more convenient.

Ask them to name companies that they think have great company culture and expect to hear tech companies and start-ups like Uber, Yahoo, and Amazon. While these companies may seem like the pinnacle of millennial-friendly company culture, reality doesn’t always fit the image.

On paper, you might expect that companies excelling at connecting people would have strong, positive organisational cultures that propelled them in the marketplace. Not so. Amazon workers were encouraged to tear each other’s ideas apart in meetings, in an environment more akin to a gladiatorial arena than a people-first Fortune-500 company.

Uber was dominated by its frat culture, which came into the light after allegations of sexual misconduct forced an investigation by the US Attorney General, whose report listed out some glaring company culture issues.

Uber considered “toe-stepping” a prized value
The company’s 14 “cultural values” need some serious revamping. Things like Always Be Hustlin’, Meritocracy, Toe-Stepping, and Principled Confrontation– helped justify poor behaviour by employees.

Its human resources department wasn’t properly serving its humans
Much of the blame on Uber’s HR department. Which was described as disorganised, under- utilised and lacking support from senior management. The AG’s report tasks the department with record-keeping, a very basic function of HR. It suggests using software to track complaints, personnel records and employee data.

Some perks were reserved for people without families
Catered meals for employees were served at 8.15 pm which made it impractical for those with families, as well as encouraging employees to work late. Uber confirms that catered meals will now be at 7 pm instead.

Frat-boy drinking was encouraged
The company needs to grow up, with the AG’s report suggesting that managers should have an allowance for spending on alcohol.

Inter-office relationships were largely unrestricted
In the infamous Miami Letter by CEO Travis Kalanick in 2013, was a loose directive to employees 1 to have fun but not to hook up with anyone in their chain of command at a company party.

Uber execs had unchecked power
the AG’s report recommends the board add an independent chairperson to serve as a check on Uber’s management and make sure the board is taking the recommendations seriously. The chairperson will be key to holding new execs accountable, as Uber looks to fill position including CFO, general counsel and COO. It also asks that an “oversight committee” be created to hold the company accountable for things like ethical business practices, diversity and inclusion.

Employees were treated unequally
The report also calls on Uber to update its discrimination and harassment policies, create transparent promotion requirements and take stock of its pay practices.

So, as attractive as flashy companies like Uber are, they are hardly the beacon for positive company culture. So how does a company create a culture to succeed today?

Establish clear ethos and values for the organisation
It is important to have a set of clear organisational core values that are communicated effectively and discussed with the employees so that they feel part of it. It is crucial that demonstrable actions are taken regularly so that the employees feel an individual and personal responsibility towards these values.

Foster collaboration and communication
Use a leadership and management style that encourages teamwork, open and honest communication is vital to creating a positive feeling in the workplace. These can include coffee mornings, team getaways and family weekends. This gives an opportunity for team members to nurture and foster connections outside of work.

Create an inclusive work environment
A positive workplace is one where all the employees are valued, supported and nurtured irrespective of gender, sexual orientation or colour. All employees should have equal opportunities to progress and equal access to all the perks and rewards on offer.

Create clear goals and rewards for the employees
The survey by Deloitte showed that 83% of executives and 84% of employees rank having engaged and motivated employees as the top factor that substantially contributes to a company’s success. Motivated and engaged employees can be created if they are treated equally and have clear goals that they can work towards. Having a transparent policy for progression and promotion offers the staff an opportunity to measure their performance.

Positive culture in the workplace does wonders for creating a sense of pride and ownership amongst employees, and ultimately leads to company success. It also goes deeper than shiny toys or flashy office perks – a ping pong table doesn’t lead to job satisfaction after all.

Learn how to change the culture of your company to one that is positive for both employees and your bottom line, by visiting us at Accendo

Sources
https://www.vox.com/2017/6/8/15765514/2013-miami-letter-uber-ceo-kalanick-employees-sex- 1
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