Imagine getting your whole team together, in the office, sharing ideas, and getting excited for the future. For many supply chain organizations, it’s about building a positive company culture: that positive, on-a-mission mentality that keeps operations running.
It’s easy for any company to get that first part right. All you have to do is bring employees into the office. But once everyone is there, how do you keep them happy and excited to work?
How to create a culture of positivity
There’s no one right answer to that question, because every office is different. But here are some options.
1. Unite around a shared mission
To build a strong company culture, leaders need to have a real, honest, no-corporate-speak answer to this question: Why should my team care about their work and the success of our company? Then, you can come together around that shared mission.
2. Put health front and center
If you don’t feel great physically and mentally, you’ll probably want to hide under the covers instead of going to work. So, it’s important to give your team the tools they need to feel and do their best. Plan microbreaks into the workday, host “walking meetings” where you strategize on the move, offer flexible work schedules, and encourage everyone to actually take their PTO.
Food is another great tool for physical and mental health. The gut and the brain are connected, and it turns out that eating healthy food can actually help reduce risk of anxiety and depression. It also keeps you energized and productive. Make sure your team has easy access to healthy snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables. Put them front and center in a break room, kitchen, or micromarket to make it easy for employees to snack smarter.
If your company sells healthy food products, use them to make your team’s lives better, too. Offer them in the break room or even deliver to employees’ homes to make remote and hybrid workers feel included.
3. Make time to have fun together
People are happiest and do their best work when they feel connected to the people around them. Have fun building those connections. For an in-person team, that might mean hosting a farmers’ market or a fruit tasting on site, pairing people up for a low-stakes wellness challenge with fun prizes, or having a silly spirit week.
Plan virtual events to keep hybrid workers connected, too, like trivia contests or lunch-and-learns. Try to do these things on company time and encourage everyone to attend, so it feels like a break, not an obligation.
4. Show appreciation every day
The data says that employees who feel recognized at work are more engaged, less likely to burn out, and less likely to leave their jobs. Being thanked and appreciated just feels good.
Start by giving thoughtful gifts on Employee Appreciation Day, the holidays, and each person’s work anniversary. (Events and other experiences are great for this—gifts don’t have to be physical.) Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins between managers and employees to create another opportunity for positive feedback.
Encourage co-workers to compliment and celebrate each other and read the notes of recognition at company meetings.
Creating a positive culture is as simple as listening and acting from a place of care. If you truly care about your team and keep that thought front and center, creating a positive working culture will come easy.
