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While trying to navigate the current hardship it is important to maintain your values and ethics when taking business decisions.
Many businesses in the UK are currently going through tough times and big changes are having to be made. The actions of those changes will reflect on company culture.
Not only can poor culture result in the loss of will from employees, but bigger brands can also lose their once-loyal customer base if they showcase a negative company culture over marketing ploys.
After all, many studies show that consumers are more likely to buy from businesses that share the same values and beliefs.
Some companies are dealing with the repercussions of damaged brand loyalty, something of which they would have spent years building.
And although the end is in sight, businesses need to go back to basics to ensure that the continued support of their employees stays intact.
Company culture is defined by what a business says and does, and there are 4 key internal actions of response which are currently defining this.
Although preparation was not an option, the way companies have organised the transition, whether that means asking staff to work from home, take a pay cut, or have them take on a temporary role, is all showing employees where the main priorities lie. Even though everyone is aware of the current situation and know change is to be expected, employers need to have patience and provide employees with the resources as best as they can to support their welfare.
Make sure the way you communicate your actions is in line with your values. If a company value is trust, staff members should be made aware of internal changes and the future impacts that they may have. Employees will be more willing to adapt to change if they are kept informed and updated throughout the process. Building a level of trust between an employer and their employees starts with what they say, to what they do. Only when promises are kept will trust be formed.
Although in a lot of cases managing employees directly is still not possible, effective management is still needed to keep the business running smoothly, and management teams should work to make themselves more accessible for their employees. Whether that is 1-1 catch-ups, team quizzes, or virtual events, connecting with your employees shouldn’t just be to ensure that the tasks in hand are being done, they should also be used as an opportunity to show employees that you care about their wellbeing, just by simply asking how they are.
Leaders are the role models of behaviour. Lead in line with your values and build an effective team network. Leaders should find new and meaningful ways to bring the business and its employees together. No matter your role, everyone stands in the same position, so get employees involved in new initiatives and ask for their feedback.
It has never been a more crucial time to value your employees. Remember, the actions you take in this crisis will be remembered internally and externally for a long time and could be detrimental to the future of the business. Even though many companies are having to make big decisions, what will determine their difference is how they chose to treat their staff members before, during, and post-pandemic. If there has ever been a better time to consider your company culture, it is now.
If you require support or advice on any area, please feel free to contact Rikin Suchak directly on 0115 786 0443 or email opportunities@source-talent.co.uk.
