The concept of social responsibility has been a part of corporate operations for some time now. But while social responsibility was once perceived to be green or a gift to charitable organizations, it now takes on a broader meaning.
Perhaps because of the constant sharing on social media, consumers – especially millennials and young people – expect transparency from the companies they do business with. TrendWatching.com has dubbed the Glass Box Brands trend. Now, the expectation of transparency extends to the company culture. In other words, your clients pay as much attention to the way you treat your employees as to the way you treat the planet.
Here's what you need to know to survive and thrive under the microscope.
Yes, you have a corporate culture
Do you think your business is too small to have a business culture? Think again. Every business, no matter how tiny, has a business culture. It could be friendly and informal (as in many small businesses) or bureaucratic (found in some small businesses). Do you and your employees discuss your weekends, socialize outside the office or have lunch together? Does your staff wear jeans and hoodies, Dockers and polos, or business suits? It's part of your business culture.
In a small business, the business culture usually develops organically depending on the personality and approach of the founder. If you are A-type, for example, your business culture is probably more procedural and rules-based than if you're a casual surfer.
Your business culture can work for your business. But can he resist an outside examination? Dozens of well-known companies discovering endemic stalking internally show that what appears to be a friendly and laid-back culture may actually be toxic to some team members.
If you discover weaknesses in your business culture, do not try to hide them. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to make positive changes. Then promote what you do to the world.
How to Create a Small Business Culture
Offering good benefits, wages and benefits is the most obvious sign of a good business culture. Here are other features of a positive business culture – one that will attract customers to your business and keep them.
- Respect for employees. This means asking employees at all levels to share their comments, listen to their ideas and take complaints or concerns seriously.
- Ethical operations. Do not just present an ethical face to the world – also live your values in the business. If you cut the corners to make a deadline, how would you feel if the whole world discovered it?
- Sustainable Human Resources. For transparent companies, not only natural resources but also human resources must be managed sustainably. Do you work in the field and burn them, or do you encourage a balanced approach to keeping employees in the long run?
- Honest communication. Do you explain the reasoning behind your decisions to your team, or just issue an edict? If the company is having a bad quarter, do you share it with your employees – or should they guess based on your bad mood and rumor? Honesty and openness create a positive work environment.
- A strong team. Does everyone know what other employees' jobs are, what do they do all day and how does that contribute to the overall? When employees understand where everyone fits into the big picture, they will be a stronger team.
- A diversified workforce. Strive to diversify your team by hiring employees with disabilities, women, people of color and LGBTQ employees. Your business will benefit from new perspectives.
By taking an honest look at your business culture and then taking action to remedy any problem, you are building a long-term business that has nothing to hide.
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