How to Build a Thriving Organizational Culture (for Leaders)

While this offers flexibility and freedom, it can also be challenging to maintain that special feeling of working together as a team. 

So, how do you build a strong organizational culture when your team is spread out across the globe?

This article gives remote leaders the tools and strategies needed to create a thriving organizational culture, even when your team works from anywhere. 

Why Culture Matters (Especially Now)

Think of your company culture as the "way we do things around here." It's the vibe, the values, and overall feeling of the team. 

A strong culture is crucial, especially during big changes like the remote work revolution. 

Here's why a thriving culture matters:

• It makes people feel like they belong: When employees feel connected and valued, they're more engaged, productive, and less likely to job hop.
• It strengthens your brand: A strong culture attracts and retains top talent, boosting your company's overall image and attracting more customers.
• It's essential for remote success: With 87% of workers wanting flexible options, adapting your culture to the virtual world is key. A thriving remote culture can lead to happier, more productive employees, even when they're not physically in the same space.

Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities

While remote work offers flexibility, it can also present challenges for maintaining a strong company culture. 

Remote employees might feel:

• Less connected to the team: They may miss the spontaneous interactions and watercooler chats that happen naturally in an office setting.
• Unvalued and unheard: They may worry that their contributions go unnoticed or that their opinions don't matter as much.

But don't despair! Remote work also has its perks, like:

• Increased autonomy: Employees can manage their work schedules and environments to fit their individual needs, leading to increased satisfaction and motivation.
• Feeling their best and most productive: They can work from a comfortable and familiar environment, free from distractions like noisy colleagues or long commutes.

Understanding Your Culture's DNA

Before you can improve your remote culture, you need to understand what's already there. 

This means pinpointing the values, beliefs, traditions, and even unwritten rules that shape the way your team works and interacts. 

This "cultural DNA" can include your:

• Mission statement: This defines your company's purpose and what you're working towards!
• Core values: These are the fundamental principles that guide your team's behavior and decision-making.
• Traditions: These are the repeated activities or rituals that contribute to your team's unique identity.
• Unwritten rules: These are the unspoken expectations and norms that shape how people interact within the company.

Protecting and Promoting Your Values: Communicate, Celebrate, and Repeat

With the increased risk of cultural disconnect in a remote setting, it's incredibly valuable to be clear and intentional about your company culture. 

Here are some ways to protect and promote your values:

• Communicate regularly: Regularly communicate your values and mission through various channels, like company-wide announcements, team meetings, and one-on-one conversations.
• Celebrate achievements: Recognize and reward employees who exemplify your core values, showcasing how they contribute to the overall company culture.
• Lead by example: As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for the team. Be mindful of how you embody the company's values in your interactions with others.

Feedback and Measurement: Keys to Continuous Improvement

To proactively address potential cultural issues, you need to measure the key elements that shape your remote work environment. 

This can involve surveys or other methods to assess things like:

• Teamwork: How well do employees collaborate and support each other?
• Encouragement: Do employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks?
• Strength of connections: Do employees feel connected to their colleagues and managers?

Gathering this feedback allows you to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.

Building a Culture that Lasts: Be Flexible and Adaptable

• Adaptability: Embrace the dynamic nature of a remote team and be willing to adjust your strategies as needed.
• Continuous learning: Encourage your team to continuously learn and grow, both professionally and personally. This can involve providing access to training resources, supporting professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

Building a thriving remote culture requires intentionality and effort. It’s not just about the bottom line, it's about building a workplace where everyone feels like they belong, no matter where they choose to work from.

By understanding your team's needs, clearly communicating your values, and continuously adapting based on feedback, you can create a remote organizational culture where everyone feels valued, connected, and ready to succeed.