[Achievers.com] Discover the 12 best organizational cultures of 2024

This article was first published on Achievers.com. Read the full article here. In a competitive job market, cultivating the best organizational culture possible is essential to a company’s success. With 48% of employees watching out for or actively searching for a new role, it’s clear that an inclusive and supportive work environment is non-negotiable. When employees feel connected to a company’s mission, values, and culture – they’re less likely to look elsewhere.

Getting workplace culture right is a must for every organization, but it’s hard to know where to start. To get your creative juices flowing, look at these great examples of how companies across industries build cultures that engage their employees and lead to business success. What is the best organizational culture?

The strength of organizational culture lies in the sum of its parts—the core values, attitudes, and behavior of its leaders, employees, and business processes. The key elements that serve as the building blocks for incredible corporate culture is made up of:

• Strong leadership: Leadership that can offer clarity into their vision, strategy, while communicating effectively is essential to building great culture.

• Employee engagement: If employees are satisfied with their roles and display high levels of commitment to the company, they’ll be more productive as well.

• Open communication: There should be open dialogue within the organization, with frequent and transparent exchanges, teamwork and collaboration.

• Diversity and inclusion: Efforts to foster diversity, inclusion, and promote equity should be at the forefront, as the best organizational cultures create a sense of belonging for all employees.

• Employee well-being: Great company culture prioritizes employee well-being, which includes support for mental health, work-life balance, and overall wellness.

• Recognition and rewards: Culture with rewards and recognition will boost employee retention, morale, and help workers feel valued and acknowledged.

• Career development: Opportunities for professional development whether it’s through mentorship, learning new skills, and a culture of promoting from within, are indicators of strong company culture.
  

What type of culture is best for the workplace?

The best organizational culture for the workplace is one that promotes respect, trust, openness, continuous improvement, and collaboration—not just within teams but also across departments. It’s a work environment where employees feel supported, acknowledged, valued, and have a rooted sense of belonging.

According to research from Great Place to Work, people who feel like they belong at an organization are five times more likely to stay in their role for the long term and are three times more likely to eagerly anticipate coming to work.

A culture that promotes fairness is another common thread amongst highly ranked organizations, as surveyed employees rated these companies 37 to 42% above than the national average for areas related to equal recognition and compensation.

What are the 4 main types of organizational culture?

While there are many types of organizational cultures, broadly speaking, many fall into the following four categories. University of Michigan researchers Kim S. Cameron and Robert E. Quinn explored the qualities that make organizations effective, ultimately identifying these four types of organizational cultures:

1. Clan cultures

With an emphasis on horizontal structure and team collaboration, clan culture takes a people-oriented approach to building company culture. Boosting morale, improving the employee experience, and relationship building are top priorities, as well as teamwork and participation. Also, leaders are seen as mentors in this environment.

2. Hierarchy culture

With a great emphasis on structure and process, hierarchical culture prioritizes efficient processes, strong communication, and stability. This type of environment is results-driven and there are clear lines of accountability, authority, and communication within a hierarchy culture.

3. Market culture

This type of organizational culture is results-oriented, with tangible, measurable targets, and clear goals at the forefront. Financial success and a competitive spirit are a focal point here. In this environment, success hinges on market share, market leadership, competitive pricing, and highlights employee contributions to revenue.

4. Adhocracy culture

Adhocracy culture is dynamic, creative, and entrepreneurial—allowing employees to speak up, take initiative, and share their ideas. Risk taking is encouraged in this environment, as is thinking boldly, and success is determined by releasing new services and products or setting new trends. Read the full article on Achievers.com here.