Why Good Company Culture is Important
There always seem to be dream companies offering unreal perks that attract top talent regardless of the challenging demands. On the surface, those perks and high pay are what keep candidates interested.
But there’s more to the story than benefits and salary. In reality, these companies can attract the skilled employees they do because of their outstanding company cultures.
In this article, we explore ten excellent examples of corporate cultures that you can emulate in your workplace. Simply offering free spaces for employees to voice concerns or focusing on the well-being of every team member can elevate your business to new heights.
10 Good Company Culture Examples to Emulate
Whether you’re an industry giant or a tech startup, it’s possible to be a beacon of great company culture. Each of these organizations is recognizable not just for the products and services they provide, but for the organizational culture team members experience when working for them. Here’s what makes these organizations so incredibly unique!
1. Zoom
Zoom has really made a name for itself, especially during the pandemic, as an industry leader in remote video conferencing software. But its position as a leader isn’t solely on the excellent product, but the company values and initiatives that set the foundation of culture.
To start, every new employee trains at corporate headquarters in San Diego, where Zoom’s corporate culture, mission statement, and values have a chance to grow. In addition to corporate training, a Happiness Crew focuses on culture and ensures every employee experiences celebrations for milestones, even if they’re remote.
Internal celebrations are only part of what the Happiness Crew sets out to achieve. They encourage employees to volunteer and highlight the importance of inclusion in the workplace.
2. Zappos
The famous shoe retailer also happens to have a workplace culture like nowhere else. For example, new hires have a week to decide if Zappos is right for them. If not, the company pays $2,000. That makes Zappos one of the few companies to pay you not to work for them, but it’s because the culture fit and ten core values are at the heart of the hiring process.
Zappos’ CEO makes it a point to put employees first, empowering them to be creative, connected, and maintain high performance. Because of those standards, Zappos provides raises based on skills tests and ability demonstrations.
By using skills tests and demonstrations as part of the raise process, Zappos works to eliminate unconscious biases or office favoritism. The idea of using skills tests is an excellent tactic to implement in your work environment.
3. LinkedIn
Even the most successful companies know that no matter how strong company culture is, there is always room for improvement. The work-based social media platform just went through an evaluation of its culture to see if it still matched the company’s goals.
Through open communication, CEO Jeff Weiner gained valuable insight into how his employees viewed corporate culture. What he discovered were a few principles and questions that any president, co-founder, or executive can ask to evaluate culture. He challenges leaders to ask:
- Are culture and values still applicable in the current business environment?
- Do culture and values help us achieve our vision?
- Do we recite them often and with clarity?
Weiner argues that company vision shouldn’t change but instead constantly evaluate culture and values. This dedication to continually evolving makes LinkedIn an excellent example of companies that have a positive culture.
4. Netflix
Netflix is an entertainment powerhouse with a type of culture unique in the tech space. The company and its employees absolutely despise micromanaging, which works well for the high performance that leaders demand. But Netflix doesn’t expect employees to go it alone and provides ten core values to evaluate performance. These evaluations lead to the best version of each employee.
In addition to the ten core values, Netflix encourages freedom for employees to express their thoughts, feelings, and constructive criticisms of decisions. Netflix achieves this level of openness by setting the standard for what safe spaces look like.
Because of the freedom of expression Netflix provides, employees thrive off the creative risk-taking allowed by leadership. That flexibility leads to industry-shattering advances that keep Netflix on top of the entertainment industry.
5. Twitter
Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms in existence, and the employees that power it are the main reason why. The employees at Twitter aren’t just happy because of the excellent perks, like free meals and unlimited vacation, but because of the team-oriented work environment.
Employees often comment on how friendly and knowledgeable colleagues are, and many feel they are doing something positive in the world. While it may have to do with the rooftop meetings, the company culture surrounding flexibility and creativity is likely a much more significant factor.
Everyone at Twitter is exceptionally passionate, which can lead to innovation. However, there are real concerns about Elon Musk taking over, and hopefully, the company’s mission statement and core values will stay the same!
6. Chevron
Employee health and well-being are the focal points of “The Chevron Way.” Chevron’s company culture supports employee well-being through on-site fitness centers and health-related perks like massages or personal training.
In addition to physical health, Chevron insists on employees taking breaks, leading to better mental well-being. Chevron encourages employees to help each other improve collaboration and open communication.
Overall, Chevron isn’t the kind of company culture example you’d expect. But with health, safety, and collaboration efforts, Chevron stands out as an oil company on a mission!
7. Google
Few companies are as well-known for their culture as Google. The search engine turned internet solution juggernaut has incredible workplace perks that rival any small or large business, including remote work opportunities and on-site childcare facilities.
Perks aren’t the only significant aspect of Google’s culture. Hiring managers aim to hire people with solid culture fits, regardless of background. That translates into one of the most diverse and inclusive work environments anywhere.
Google puts so much emphasis on DEI that an annual diversity report is available for the public. Despite managers encouraging creativity and performance, many workers have noted that the expectation of high performance can be stressful at times.
8. Southwest Airlines
Unlike other airlines, Southwest Airlines prioritizes strong company culture with a dedicated Culture Services Department. Southwest’s Culture Services Department is a department dedicated to ensuring every employee feels valued and extended to local and company-wide culture committees.
These culture committees make use of frequent recognition both informally and through formal awards ceremonies. And the celebrations don’t stop at awards, as Southwest values the community aspect of their culture through events like Spirit Parties and Chili Cook-offs.
Southwest’s leadership gives employees freedom to go the extra mile for colleagues and customers. The attention Southwest gives its team members translates into high employee engagement and job satisfaction, which are valuable lessons for any organization struggling with retention.
9. SquareSpace
Many know SquareSpace for the mobile payment solutions the company provides. However, SquareSpace is much more than just payments, and it frequently ranks as one of New York City’s best places to work, thanks to its excellent corporate culture.
SquareSpace leverages a unique, startup-like hierarchy structure which creates safe spaces for employees to engage with leadership. That compressed corporate structure eliminates unnecessary management levels and opens communication between employees and department leaders.
The down-to-earth and direct access to leadership is one of many aspects of company culture that employees love. SquareSpace offers a robust benefits package that includes 100% covered health insurance and flexible vacations so employees can spend more time with their families.
10. Adobe
The world would be a far less creative place without Adobe’s many artistic-driven products and services. But Adobe doesn’t focus solely on performance but rather gauging success on its teams’ creativity.
Adobe’s leadership engages in productive conversations about how they can support rather than micromanage teams. That leaves managers available to be coaches and mentors. It’s something Adobe takes so seriously that employees know they can expand their knowledge through special projects and mentorship programs.
Thanks to a focus on creativity, being free-spirited, and openness to learning, employees feel comfortable providing innovative solutions and ideas. And with Adobe products gracing virtually every electronic device, it’s safe to say that its culture drives success.
Build a Strong Company Culture with Coach Diversity Institute
Everyone deserves to work in a type of culture that values work-life balance, individual expression, and well-being. These organizations provide a framework for shaping corporate culture and values while showing how effective they can be for the employees. From tech giants like Google to retailers like Zappos, every industry can have an excellent company culture.
Still feeling overwhelmed with evaluating your company’s culture? Partner with Coach Diversity Institute and utilize an organizational culture assessment to get the clarity you need. Plus, Coach Diversity has programs to help anyone become a certified diversity coach. Get started changing the culture in your organization today!