When we ask our clients about the corporate culture in their companies, we frequently hear statements like, “The colleagues say that things are going well within the teams, but not beyond that.” Remarks like that are seen as an indicator of a “bad” corporate culture by many companies. They want their employees to say, “We have a beautiful / enriching / cool corporate culture, not just within my team, but also across different sites, segments, and departments.” That is understandable. But why not celebrate and emphasise what is already there?

Collecting moments

The teams obviously often experience good moments of collegiality and team spirit, of solution-orientation and optimism. Although not necessarily “company-wide”, but more in their members’ day-to-day interaction with each other, in their personal sphere of activity. Teaching people to recognise these positive moments, to collect and appreciate them – that’s what makes all the difference. This should not be perceived as an additional “measure”; no, it can happen on the side and even be enjoyable. It does not need to be more than that. It is all about the small things. Someone taking over because another person is sick. Someone readily sharing their knowledge and another person being able to use it. We all know examples like that from our daily work and these are the moments that give our work meaning, because they are human. That is good corporate culture.

Making moments visible

Departments that are usually responsible for corporate culture, like internal communications or HR, need to create the formats that allow employees to celebrate and experience these corporate culture moments. Often, it is not even necessary to introduce new formats. Instead, existing ones can be adapted, added to, expanded. A little bit of imagination is required, however. It is important to emphasise the positive aspects and give them a contagious character. This is where internal communications comes in and ensures that the “moments” are being perceived in the right way.

Natascha Kunath, Managing Director

H/Advisors Deekeling Arndt

[email protected]