How tragic is it to have a job that you commute to every single
day with the sole purpose of getting to the next paycheck? At some point or
another, we’ve all been there. We let our priorities become unbalanced and have
somehow after months found ourselves just running through the motions. Your
happiness and self-fulfillment is the top priority. No one can live off of
coffee and energy drinks forever. Believe it or not, there is a formula to
happiness that if practiced by a company will lead to ultimate success in all
avenues. That formula is (WC=Team > Individual) otherwise known
as company culture.
At Worx we've come to the conclusion that we have to do things differently.
Company culture is the direct influence on how smoothly the ship is sailing. Effects
derived from poor company culture are often missed deadlines, negative employee
body language, tension, lack of ambition and static routine. If a company is
not happy, it will reflect in many aspects of the workplace, unfortunately and
most crucially the clients. Your company culture IS your brand.
Now, culture is not something that just happens overnight. Culture is something
that happens naturally. Every person is born and raised with a set of unique
beliefs, taboos and values. It governs the ways in which a person thinks and
acts. For a company to be successful, there has to be a blending, an
assimilation of individual into team. Embrace the differences and utilize
multiple perspectives into one positive driving force.
Our company culture is kept alive and breathing because we make a conscious
effort to keep it at the forefront. Here are some things that we practice
day-to-day:
The Worx Family Manifesto
Share
Core Values:
When
the members in a company shares core values everything runs in complete cohesiveness. The objective remains constant and everyone strives to achieve
the same mission. Productivity is greater and value is placed on the end goal.
Knowing Your Purpose:
Don't just work for the paycheck; do something that
you genuinely love. Everyone should feel a sense of purpose
to the team and to each other. Our mission is our client’s success.
Make Time For Quality Time:
It is so important to take your working relationships beyond the desk. Do
things that will give your employees the opportunity to interact and let their
personalities free. Team building exercises such as 5Ks, mud runs, adventure
parks and volunteer events within your field or community are a great way of
giving everyone the chance to let down a few walls and learn about each other.
Celebrate Achievements:
People want to be part of an organization that they can be proud of. No one
wants to feel like what they are doing isn't enough or is insignificant. Take a
moment to celebrate each other's as well as the team's accomplishments even if
they are small steps. Go out to dinner for meeting your monthly goals
and congratulate someone on their new home. Celebrate team
accomplishments and acknowledge the personal ones as well. Positivity is
fuel.
Understand Each Other's Strengths and Weaknesses:
At Worx we have taken multiple strength and weakness tests as well as
have noted them in work situations. We know what each other excel in and
where we struggle. We know each other's pet peeves and what makes us
uncomfortable. By diving deeper into each other's personalities, we can create
a work culture in which everyone produces their best work.
Meet Often:
Communication is key to a good work environment. It is imperative to not
just hear, but also listen to each other. This is a great practice to get
comfortable with everyone on the team as well as to learn a wealth of
information about how a member works, their stress level threshold, their
brilliant ideas, and how they can best be utilized to showcase their skills
while elevating the company.
Eliminate Hierarchical BS:
Of course, there is a chain of command, but this is never used as a weapon
to designate where the power is. It is crucial to recognize that each person
has a significance and reason for being there. When a member feels that they
have worth in a company, the positivity is almost contagious and the level of
respect soars astronomically. A team should be one congruent moving gear that
if one cog is missing, the operation fails. At Worx, everyone is an essential
part of what makes Worx, work. There is a level of mutual respect, trust and
appreciation that is displayed to one another. When a company works
together through controversy and success, the outcome is powerful.
Throw Peanuts:
Not every day is a good day no matter how hard we try. Don't let someone
harvest frustration. Take time to grab coffee, have a lunch meeting out of the
office or throw stress peanuts at each other if necessary (adorable plushy
stress relievers in the shape of peanuts, courtesy of our wonderful client,
Food Safety Training Solutions, INC.) Whatever method works best.
Cultivate The Future:
A strong company culture helps to cultivate your future team. The vibes you
put out attract folks with the same positivity and values who are seeking such
an atmosphere. Your work culture is also a marketing tool and can be used to
bring together like-minded individuals to help grow your company's
future.
Once a company keeps in mind the balance between team and individual, a
different atmosphere will noticeably take shape. Daily practices become
integrated and fluid with the motions of everyday life. We are not a Utopian
society that is in perfect harmony with perfect results and perfect lives. But
we have created a culture that fits– a defined destination of who we are now,
and who we aspire to be.
