Building Culture: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Today we find ourselves in an increasingly competitive landscape marked by a rapidly evolving workplace. During COVID, we witnessed the rise of hybrid work and an increased emphasis on wellness and wellbeing, which has changed employee expectations.  People are looking for more meaningful work, greater flexibility, and environments where they feel valued, trusted, and supported.  

An organization’s success can no longer be defined by strategy alone — it must be driven by culture. It is the invisible force that shapes how people think, behave, collaborate, and perform. When intentionally developed, a strong and adaptive culture is a strategic necessity that is one of your most powerful assets. 

Data on workplace culture show…

  • Organizations with highly engaged teams see a 59% reduction in turnover and a 41% reduction absenteeism.

  • Organizations with strong cultures experience 21% greater profitability and up to 4X more revenue.

  • 77% of adults polled said they would "consider a company's culture" before seeking a job there.  Another 56% added that they found a good workplace culture to be "more important than salary" when it came to job satisfaction.

What Is Organizational Culture?

Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that influence how employees interact with one another and approach their work. It plays a foundational role in every organization. Culture is what makes employees stay through tough transitions, rally behind big ideas, and care about results that go beyond their job descriptions.

Why Culture Matters

1. Drives Engagement and Retention

A strong, positive culture fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Employees who feel connected to their organization's values are more engaged, committed, and less likely to leave.

2. Enhances Performance and Productivity

Culture influences how people approach their work and how they solve problems. A culture that promotes innovation, accountability, and collaboration will outperform one that is risk-averse or siloed. 

3. Supports Strategic Alignment

Culture acts as a guidepost for behavior. When your culture aligns with your strategic goals, employees are more likely to make decisions that support the organization’s vision.

4. Attracts Top Talent

Today’s job seekers evaluate culture as much if not more than compensation. A healthy culture enhances your employer brand and gives you a competitive edge in attracting talent—especially among younger generations who prioritize values, inclusion, and purpose in their work.

5. Builds Organizational Resilience

During times of change or crisis, culture is what sustains an organization. Companies with a strong culture are more agile, more adaptive, and better equipped to navigate uncertainty because their employees trust leadership and feel connected to a shared mission.

How to Build a Strong Culture

Creating a thriving culture is about intentional actions, daily leadership, and a clear vision. Here are a few key steps:

  • Define your core values and ensure they are more than just words on a wall. Integrate them into the fabric of your organization.

  • Model leadership behavior that reflects the culture you want to see. Culture is shaped more by what leaders do than what they say.

  • Encourage open communication, transparency, and trust at all levels.

  • Invest in employee development, feedback, and engagement initiatives that show people they are valued.

  • Celebrate wins and learn from failures in a way that reinforces the desired culture.

Conclusion

Building culture is not a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing intentional practice that requires commitment and consistency. But the return on investment is enormous: stronger engagement, better performance, greater loyalty, and a more resilient, future-ready organization.  Plus, in today’s environment where employees seek, purpose, connection and trust, your culture, which is unique to your organization, can give you a competitive edge. 

I can help leaders strengthen their culture from the inside out—connecting values to action and people to purpose. If you're ready to build or refresh the culture in your organization, contact me to start the conversation.

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