Understanding workplace culture
Culture is "how we do things around here" - the unwritten rules that guide behaviour even when no one is watching. It shapes how decisions are made, how people communicate, how conflicts are resolved, and whether employees feel valued and engaged.
Visible elements
- Office layout and design
- Dress code and appearance
- Written policies and procedures
- Meetings and communication style
Invisible elements
- Shared values and beliefs
- Unwritten rules and norms
- Power dynamics and politics
- Attitudes toward risk and change
Culture components
Workplace culture consists of multiple interconnected elements:
Key culture components
How culture develops
- Founder influence: Early decisions and behaviours set patterns
- Leadership modelling: Leaders demonstrate what's acceptable
- Hiring decisions: New hires either reinforce or dilute culture
- Stories and legends: Tales of past events shape expectations
- Rewards and consequences: What gets celebrated or punished
- Crisis response: How the organisation handles challenges
Actions speak louder than values posters
Real culture is demonstrated through actions, not stated values. If leadership says "we value work-life balance" but rewards people who work 60-hour weeks, employees quickly learn what really matters. Watch what gets rewarded, not what gets said.
Building positive culture
Leadership actions
- Model desired behaviours
- Communicate openly and honestly
- Address toxic behaviour promptly
- Reward values-aligned actions
Organisational practices
- Hire for cultural contribution
- Create meaningful rituals
- Invest in manager development
- Regularly assess and adjust
Common culture mistakes
Values-behaviour gap
Stating values that don't match actual practices. Employees become cynical when they see leaders violate stated values without consequences. Either change behaviours or be honest about what you actually value.
Tolerating toxic behaviour
Allowing high performers to behave badly sends a clear message about what really matters. One toxic person can poison team culture. Address behaviour issues regardless of performance.
Copying other cultures
Trying to replicate another company's culture rarely works. Culture must fit your industry, workforce, and business reality. Build on your strengths rather than copying trendy practices.
Key takeaways
Workplace culture is the shared values, beliefs, and practices that guide behaviour. It develops through leadership actions, hiring decisions, and what gets rewarded. Building positive culture requires consistency between stated values and actual practices.
RosterElf's staff management supports healthy workplace culture through fair scheduling, transparent communication, and employee self-service features.
