Alison Grenier
Head of Culture and Research, Great Place to Work®
It can be hard to define, but you know it when you see it: employees feel seen and heard, management is transparent, teams are proud and excited to work together.
Defining great company culture can be challenging, but its essence lies in strong relationships among leaders and teams. A positive culture has less to do with perks and more with how employees feel valued and engaged.
1. Credibility
In high-performing workplaces, leaders are seen as credible. Research shows that 88% of employees at the Best Workplaces™ in Canada feel their management’s actions align with their words, compared to just 50% at average workplaces. Credible managers foster:
- Higher employee retention
- Greater workplace satisfaction
- Increased likelihood of recommendations
- Enhanced motivation
Employees who perceive their managers as honest are five times more likely to remain with the company and eleven times more likely to view it positively.
2. Respect
Respect is fundamental in earning employee loyalty. Great workplaces demonstrate respect by acknowledging contributions, seeking input, and recognizing employees as individuals. Flexibility, such as remote work and flexible hours, reinforces this respect, leading to increased dedication. Companies offering unlimited paid vacation successfully rely on strong relationships to ensure these policies are respected.
3. Fairness
Fairness significantly impacts employee experience. Workplaces where everyone feels they have equal opportunities report higher satisfaction. Employees at great workplaces score fairness in compensation and recognition 30 percentage points higher than average. Interestingly, while fair pay boosts satisfaction, other factors—like leadership and a sense of pride—play an even larger role. Employees who are proud of their work are twenty times more likely to view their workplace positively.
4. Pride
Pride in the workplace encompasses belief in the company’s mission, its products, and its community engagement. It exists on three levels: pride in one’s job, pride in the team, and pride in the company itself. Employees with pride are twice as likely to stay long-term and six times more likely to recommend their workplace.
5. Camaraderie
A sense of belonging is crucial for employee engagement. The Best Workplaces in Canada actively celebrate achievements, welcome new hires, and embrace diversity. Inclusive practices—such as improved parental leave and empowering employee resource groups—enhance this sense of belonging. Employees who feel they belong are three times more likely to enjoy coming to work and five times more likely to remain with the company.
Improving company culture
Investing in these five areas can enhance employee experience and foster a great culture. Regular pulse surveys can help gauge employee sentiments and guide improvements. Earning the Great Place To Work Certification™ provides valuable insights into your organization’s cultural strengths and areas for growth.
By prioritizing credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie, organizations can build a thriving workplace culture that benefits everyone.
