Human Resource Management Best Practices to Improve Your Organizational Culture

Human Resource Management Best Practices to Improve Your Organizational Culture

Organizational or corporate culture is the soul of a company, the shared belief system that reflects its values. It guides the patterns of behaviour for employees and is the reverberating pulse that drives and inspires growth and success. A strong organizational culture energizes employees and gives them a sense of pride as they carry out the objectives and strategies to advance the company.

A weak corporate culture can demotivate employees and reduce productivity, thereby undermining an organization’s overall success. This can manifest in high employee turnover, poor internal and external customer relations, and low profits.

It is, therefore, prudent for leaders to constantly take stock and evaluate company culture and assess whether employee perceptions are in keeping with the values the company would like to project.

Clear corporate culture

Your human resource management department is key to sustaining your organizational culture. A clear corporate culture begins with defining the values, goals, and work ethics you would like to instill. Having a clear corporate culture is key for all HR processes—recruitment and selection, orientation, policy development, training, and performance management.

Recruitment and on-boarding

An organization’s core values should be evident throughout the recruitment and orientation process for new hires. A candidate’s qualifications and experience are important. However, customizing interview questions and conducting behavioural activities can help assess if a candidate’s personality fits the values an organization wants to embody.

The orientation process is an opportunity for new employees to understand the vision, structure, and values of the organization. It presents the best platform for familiarizing new hires with the employer’s expectations, work culture, and etiquette that guide desired behaviours.

Recognition programs

Recognition programs are great for motivating employees and making them feel appreciated. Human resource management professionals use this tool to reinforce and reward behaviours that are in sync with a company’s culture. Employee recognition encourages behaviours that a company would like to foster. For example, if an organization values teamwork, team achievement rewards can promote group relationships.

Recognition does not have to come solely from leaders. Peer recognition programs are a useful way of building strong relationships between coworkers.

Behavioural changes

Human resource management procedures help guide habits that enforce a company’s culture. The best way to develop these procedures is to understand the individuals in your organization.

Timely assessments allow employees to understand what is expected. Leaders also get an opportunity to understand each team member, how they work, and what is important to them. This helps human resource professionals shape policies that can enhance ideal habits.

Studies have shown that employees who experience a sense of purpose at work are more motivated, learn quickly, and feel more fulfilled. Changing a person’s behavioural habits leads to a shift in mindset. For example, allowing employees to exercise choice without always needing approval makes them feel empowered and builds trust. Having the right policies in place can create an environment that keeps inspiring the team.

Do you need help to improve your organizational culture?

If you need help to develop programs that will improve employee experience and nurture your company’s culture, we can help at Pivot HR Services. We will conduct a culture audit to identify strengths and gaps and make recommendations for improvement.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced HR consultants.