Given that most people spend more time at work than they do at home in a given week, it makes sense that the work culture can have a significant impact on their happiness and productivity. People want to work in a place where people are kind, inviting, hospitable, and personable. Smart organizations realize that their most valuable asset is their employees, so they invest in a work culture that makes every employee feel welcome. Whether you are welcoming new hires to the team or you simply want to work to maintain a positive workplace, these tips will help ensure that you’re cultivating a culture that is welcoming to all.
Communicate and Emphasize Company Values
If you want to make sure your employees share your values, you first need to communicate exactly what those values are. You need to clearly define your company values and continuously emphasize and communicate them to your employees. Some of these values include:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Trustworthiness
- Accountability
- Fairness
These beliefs and values should be encouraged and it starts by setting the right example.
Celebrate Employee Differences
One of the best ways to make employees feel welcome is to show that you respect their backgrounds and traditions. You can promote inclusiveness in a number of ways such as holding potluck lunches to celebrate different nationalities or celebrating various cultural holidays and traditions. There should also be opportunities for employees to share about their culture and allow employees to learn from one another.
Offer a Mentor/Guide
This is especially important for new employees that have just joined the team. Imagine you were attending a party where you knew nobody and you were sitting all alone. Chances are, you wouldn’t stay long because you would feel out of place. The same is true when a new employee joins your team. It can be difficult to walk into a room where everyone else knows each other and exactly how to do their jobs. Oftentimes new hires feel like strangers in a foreign land. Pairing new hires with a mentor or guide is a great way to show them the ropes and help them get adjusted. Building relationships during the first year can help new employees feel less isolated and more confident.
Encourage Feedback and Ideas
It is important to show your employees that you value their input and you welcome their ideas. People desire a work environment where they have the freedom to speak freely and share their ideas. If employees are shown that their ideas and comments are considered, it fosters a greater sense of belonging.