Since the last decade, young entrepreneurs are disrupting industries right and left with innovation. Profit is not the only concern of these new start-ups as they also focus on employee satisfaction and healthy work environments.
When we talk about start-up culture, we are all familiar with chic working spaces, casual Fridays, and free snacks. However, start-up culture goes beyond mere optics, and we have put together this guide to help you understand and build your own start-up culture.
1. What Does Your Company Represent?
From the very outset, you need to have a clear idea of what your company is about. Your company’s identity is the cornerstone of establishing a start-up culture that will last and is free of all clichéd elements. You need to define your business vision and long term goals.
You also need to have a mission statement – the core idea that is behind your business. The mission statement is what sets you apart from the millions of start-ups, your USP – unique selling proposition. It is what your investors are going to pay you for. When building a mission statement, think about your plan on helping your consumers and changing society.
Secondly, your company’s values. The mission statement and the company values run hand in hand. Once you have a mission statement, your company’s values are the ones that will realize your goals. Company values are a set of traits you would want your employees to observe. When hiring, you would be on the lookout for these values. It is never too early to define your company’s core values to create a long-lasting and positive work culture.
2. Communication Is Key for Start-Up Identity
Most workplaces are transitioning to open-work environments. No walls and high accessibility. All of these changes are being done to facilitate communication. Your employees are the backbone of the company. So, it is crucial to keep them in the loop. Be it good news or bad news; your employees have the right to know.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. Your job is not only to inform them but also hear them out. Having an open conversation and encouraging honest feedback is great for company culture. Some of the ways you actualize these goals are through one-on-one meetings, daily emails, or weekly group meetings. These meetings can help shift the focus back to what is important, the company’s mission and its values.
3. Zen-it-Out
Your workplace should be designed to promote productivity and calm. Think of Google or Facebook offices. Understandably, a start-up does not have big budgets like these tech-giants, but try and have a nice place for your employees to relax while they are on a break. By ensuring your employees are calm and relaxed, you can help increase their daily output. Good workplaces also translate into higher employee retention rates.
4. Step Outside
No matter how amazing is the workplace, you need to step out once in a while. Outdoor activities are great for building unity and trust in your team.
These activities help bring people together who otherwise do not get a chance to interact in the office. When your employees can interact with each other, outside of a professional setting, they can connect better and form meaningful bonds, which is great for your company’s culture.
