It’s no secret that in today’s people-focused digital economy, employee engagement equals customer engagement. Companies that invest in employee and customer engagement see a 240% boost in performance-related business outcomes. The quality of the touchpoints between employees and customers determines whether your business succeeds or fails. And the most effective way to improve that engagement is through your company culture.

I view company culture as the spirit and intention behind policies and programs that enrich an employee’s day-to-day experience in the office. People, not technology, drive innovation and customer connection, and businesses need to prioritize the employee experience accordingly. When considering the strategies to improve company culture, I place them into two categories: support and celebration. At Bluewolf, we engage our employees and strengthen company culture with these top tactics:

Support
One of the biggest reasons people quit their jobs is to get away from a bad manager. It isn’t the job itself or the pay—they leave because they don’t feel they’re receiving adequate support or guidance. Make feedback your new byword for success and encourage your managers to set up formal and informal check-ins. Create standards for goal-setting and achievement that tap into your employees’ skills and passions, allowing them to shape their careers and receive ongoing support from management. The stronger your internal mobility engine is, the stronger and more appealing your company culture will become.

Another aspect of support comes in the form of training. Companies who invest in their employees’ future success see huge returns in productivity and engagement. Offer courses in the latest software or industry-specific tech, or broader professional development programs. At Bluewolf, we offer world-class professional and technical training, both in the form of in-house sessions and tuition reimbursement. This training enables our employees to deliver better customer experiences, and also improve their own experiences, by expanding their knowledge base and teaching them to use tools designed to make their jobs easier and more effective.

Celebration
When is the last time you thanked a co-worker, manager, or direct report for their help or congratulated them on a job well done? Studies have shown that expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment benefit both the receiver and the giver in terms of personal satisfaction and happiness. Take time each week to reflect on your team’s accomplishments and give praise and feedback where deserved. If possible, gamify the practice throughout your organization and empower your employees to award each other points for outstanding performance and collaboration. 

We all have been in situations where we feel underappreciated, which affects the quality of our work, our attitudes, and our relationships with coworkers and customers. But if you create a company culture that celebrates the small wins and great achievements, you’ll inspire and sustain a highly engaged, empathetic employee community.

When you establish a reputation for great company culture, not only will you see a boost in employee performance and retention, but you’ll have a leg up on your competition in terms of recruitment too. At many companies, culture is an underdeveloped asset, but with these strategies, you have the opportunity to strengthen it and turn it into one of your biggest advantages.

Want to work in a company where company culture is valued? Join our Pack.