One of our favourite [_Jim Collins quotes_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/bestleadershipquotesJimCollins) says _One of the things weve learned in all our research is that it all begins with people._

Without great people, an organisations success can risk becoming obsolete. As leaders, getting the people right is crucial, and you cant do that with a weak workplace culture. If its one thing we now know in a post-pandemic workplace, its that employees are placing far more weight on workplace culture than ever before. In most cases, its the deciding factor to stay, leave or accept a role.

When employees share their values, core beliefs and strong connections with their team and workplace it makes a big difference. In fact, the [_research says_](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310599364_Positive_Relationships_at_Work) its paramount. And most high-level executives agree - when employees are happy, the company is more likely to thrive and [_94%_](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/About-Deloitte/gx-core-beliefs-and-culture.pdf) of executives believe that workplace culture has a direct link to a companys success.

So, just in case you wanted to know more, here are some classic characteristics weve found reflect a positive workplace youll want to be a part of.

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In short, each and every organisation creates their own workplace culture. Its an evolving collaboration of beliefs, values and behaviours within an organisation from the top to the bottom. And it plays a huge impact on employees wellbeing, attitude and work ethic.

Workplace culture is more than a statement or a sign, it needs to be put into practice. Humans are [_social learners_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/sociallearningleadershipdevelopment) , in other words **we do as we see**. So, if an employee sees gossip, back talking, eye rolling and displaying a lack of work ethic or [_accountability_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/accountabilityproductivity) , itll seep into how they feel and act. And it ripples through from the top down.

Its not always stagnant, its always evolving and changing with the people that come and go. But once a workplace culture has set its roots into the mindset of employees, its hard to dilute. Very hard.

What Exactly is Workplace Culture?

Luckily, we now place more emphasis on employee behaviour. We know the distinguishing factors between what is considered a healthy and an unhealthy workplace. Heres what we know:

According to a [_2011 study_](https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/83259/Cameron,%20Mora,%20&%20Leutscher%20-%20Effects%20of%20Positive%20Practices%20on%20Organizational%20Performance%20-%20Revised%20Submission.pdf) , a **positive workplace culture** is likely to include:

* Treating team members with respect and care 
  * Practicing compassion and offering support 
  * Avoid blaming others for mistakes or errors 
  * Motivate, boost, inspire and champion those around you 
  * Building relationships based on trust, gratitude and integrity

Meanwhile, classic signs of a [_toxic workplace culture_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/Toxicworkplaceculture) **** may include:

* High absenteeism & high turnover 
  * Low morale 
  * Disrespectful and passive aggressive language shared between employees 
  * Fear of failure 
  * General dysfunction or no clear direction 
  * Bullying, cliques and gossip

Other characteristics such as micromanaging, playing favourites, lack of positive recognition and all-round stress inducers, otherwise known as **diminishing traits** according to Multipliers author and one of our global headline speakers Liz Wiseman.

It may not always be intentional, but the way we act around our team and colleagues filters through and sticks. Leaders have enormous [_influence in they way they lead_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/LizWisemanImpactPlayers) and impact your team, Liz told event delgates.

Positive vs. Toxic Workplace Culture

Every workplace is unique, but when it comes to workplace culture, some behaviours standout from others.

Bren Brown said it herself, _when we build cultures at work where there is zero tolerance for vulnerability, where perfectionism and armour are rewarded and necessary, we cant have productive conversations._

With that in mind, lets have a look at 5 characteristics of a positive workplace culture that any employee would want to be a part of:

5 Characteristics of a Strong, Positive Workplace Culture

Workplace culture starts at the core and works its way out. That is, employees, teams and leaders all need purpose, defined values and an actionable ethos. This is guide employees as well as reflects the companys direction.

Knowing what youre achieving, striving towards and represent are _key ingredients_ in a successful organisation. Its not just words slapped into a mission statement for marketing collateral, its actionable values, guiding attitudes and clear goals that shape an organisation.

Company loyalty and employee engagement are both attributed to a clear, strong set of values. So, when a company is clear on these points, employees are more likely to exhibit these behaviours and feel accountable for representing their organisation.

Strong, Purposeful Vision, Values and Ethos

The initial few months of any new role is an insightful indicator of the long term. The onboarding experience, learning opportunities and **how teams work together** are all dead give aways when it comes to workplace culture. In fact, the [_research says_](https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/onboarding-infographic?utm_source=PT&utm_medium=MKP&utm_campaign=Bonu-TR-FreeTrialR-20180101-01&utm_content=blank&utm_term=blank) that 31% leave the workplace in the first six months. If collaboration tactics and learning opportunities are poor or flat out non-existant, chances are the workplace culture could be better.

When employees and teams collaborate, they share knowledge, build rapport and build trust with one another. The workplace becomes a safe place to exchange ideas, learn from mistakes and nurture social connections. We often find this when implementing learning and development programs focussing on [_interactive_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/whatisinteractivelearning) and [_peer learning_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/8benefitsofpeerlearning).

It also indirectly builds confidence, improves employee performance and boosts morale. When employees work towards a shared goal, a sense of community and unity grows. Theres learning opportunities, it lowers the likelihood of workplace bullying and helps to shape interactions and lower the chance of creating biases between one another.

Leadership & Teams Favour Collaboration

Stephen Covey said it best - _Habits of ineffectiveness are rooted in our social conditioning toward quick-fix, short-term thinking._

But what does this mean?

Well, the road to success should not be limited to only your next step. As leaders and managers, theres more demand than ever to think ahead when it comes to your teams. Inclusivity and opportunity go hand in hand with feelings of value, equality and being nurtured.

When a business invests in their teams, they also invest in equal opportunity for career development and progression. Everyone gets access to the same opportunity, rewards and perks - its welcoming.

While inclusivity is only one part of it, opportunity to grow is another. A vast majority of people want more than the 9-5. They want to go further and relish the chance to develop their career. In fact, the [_research says_](https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/onboarding-infographic?utm_source=PT&utm_medium=MKP&utm_campaign=Bonu-TR-FreeTrialR-20180101-01&utm_content=blank&utm_term=blank) that 76% of employees want on the job training.

We all know the difference [_learning and development_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/sociallearningleadershipdevelopment) has on employee engagement and satisfaction. Companies who provide expectations and the resources to advance an employee's career are providing the foundations of a positive workplace environment - one based on valuing, investing and encouraging employees to fulfil their potential.

Strong Focus on Inclusivity & Opportunity

Motivation has a huge impact on employee engagement, productivity and satisfaction. In fact, about [_84% of employees and 83% of leaders_](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/About-Deloitte/gx-core-beliefs-and-culture.pdf) believe this. Reward systems that provide additional benefits or recognition can make a big difference - when they understand their hard work is not only appreciated but acknowledged, they feel valued.

Clear goals, transparent paths for progression and measurable performance indicators are also important. Better yet, when these milestones or goals are met, they can be celebrated.

Teams Can Strive to Meet Goals, Rewards and Recognition

Positivity rarely stems from ambiguity or confusion. So when employees do not receive clear guidelines or are unable to have productive conversations with management, its likely result in frustration. Tasks may not be completed correctly, it may result in a bottleneck of delays or a general distaste for the organisation.

Effective communication is the lifeline of any successful team and organisation. Employees must be about to understand what theyre doing, what its for and why. Whether its communication between departments or providing feedback, it all comes down to three factors: being clear, concise and proactive.

Effective Communication & Feedback

A Positive workplace culture reflects a strong team, clear values and a definitive path for growth. It ripples into crucial indicators of an organisations success like employee engagement, productivity, satisfaction and staff retention. Our [Growth Faculty Pass](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/growthfacultypass/) gives you access to the best minds in leadership and effective strategies with weekly live, interactive and virtual masterclasses to discover leading workplace culture strategies.

Our authors and speakers include Jim Collins, Liz Wiseman, Stephen Covey, Whitney Johnson and more.

__ _If you'd like to increase your professional and personal development why not consider becoming a_[ **_G_**](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/growthfacultypass/)[ _rowth Faculty Pass._](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/growthfacultypass/) _Unlimited access to 40 live virtual masterclasses and Global Headliner virtual events - PLUS year-round leadership content at On Demand with videos, podcasts and book summaries._[ **_See who's up next_**](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/?promoCode=Blog#liveevents)[ **_._**](https://growth.lightning.force.com/lightning/r/Blog_Post__c/a1d4G000004oYwKQAU/view)

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