Establishing common goals and values, effective communication and collaboration, and an atmosphere of respect and inclusion can help transform a workplace and inspire its employees. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving company culture, there are a few simple steps every organization should take to establish and support a positive work environment in the new decade, including a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) and an investment in leadership development. Here are five key suggestions to focus on.

Build Connections

To attract the top talent and develop future leadership, a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) is essential. Whether in the corporate world or nonprofit sector, building connections and cultivating strong workplace relationships can go a long way in promoting teamwork and empathy, and improving company culture.

Invest in Success

Every organization should invest in the success of its employees, both through mentorship and by providing opportunities for growth, skill development, and career advancement. Positive employee experiences and learning initiatives not only strengthen your workforce, but they also help to retain valuable employees by facilitating a stronger sense of company loyalty. Examples include both in-person and virtual conferences and courses, and executive coaching.

Recognize and Reward

A positive company culture recognizes and rewards the valuable contributions of all team members, regardless of tenure or position. It is important for managers to celebrate wins and share the credit. On the flipside, it is also important to show grace and kindness when things occasionally go wrong, and then work together to find solutions.

Trust Your Team

Adopting a positive corporate management style includes trusting employees to have some autonomy in the workplace. While keeping a watchful eye, micromanaging, and “constructive” criticism may seem productive, this approach tends to do more harm than good, lowering workplace morale, and it can inadvertently promote a hostile and competitive (rather than collaborative) environment.

Engage 

Skip the long, endless (and sometimes pointless) meetings, and engage your employees in a more meaningful way. Effective communication is authentic, strategic, and transparent, whether conducted remotely or in person, one-on-one, or in a group setting. When planning a meeting, share the agenda in advance, ask team members to rotate the facilitation of the meeting, and provide follow-up notes and reminders in a timely manner. These tools signal consideration of time and encourage high-level participation. 

There have been many changes in the workplace over the past few years, many for the better, yet there is still room for progress. Establishing a positive work environment is critical for continued success. To learn more about Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC and how we are partnering to improve the company culture of corporate, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, visit tammydb.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok!

Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC is a certified National Supplier Development Council Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Administration (SBA) Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) woman-owned company. The company is comprised of a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm; Looking Forward Lab, a media content company focused on Gen Z, which partners with corporations and higher education systems to offer a full-service learning engagement model that delivers workforce development solutions; and Cooper+Lowe, an incubator for women interested in transitioning to entrepreneurship and thought leadership using the tools of a company that has successfully scaled.