The Power of Communication: How to Create a Positive Company Culture for a Happier Workforce

The past two years have been challenging for businesses across the world, particularly when it comes to maintaining a positive company culture and keeping workforces connected.

With all of this in mind, the need to keep employees happy, engaged, and motivated is more critical than ever.

A survey of 1,000 UK adults, commissioned by RADA Business, reveals that whilst some business professionals have been able to maintain positive relationships while working remotely, many have not.

Just 36% of British workers still feel personally connected to their colleagues whilst working from home. More than 1 in 3 feel that their relationships have significantly weakened.

As well as existing relationships deteriorating, it seems the ability to make new connections has suffered too. 85% of workers say they haven’t been able to make new connections at work or within their wider industry network whilst working from home.

Creating a positive and supportive company culture with two-way communication is key, as every employee, no matter what level, needs to feel connected with their colleagues and also build new relationships to support their growth and development.

To help companies strengthen their organisational culture and support employees in building positive working relationships, RADA Business tutor, Conrad Hornby, has shared some thoughts and techniques.

Consider every communication.
For a lot of us, moving between digital meetings is exhausting. It’s great to be able to communicate when we’re not in the same space, but digital meetings are often longer than they need to be, even when the issue could be solved with a five-minute phone call.

To avoid this digital meeting-induced exhaustion, try keeping meetings to a minimum, or reduce the number of calls and prioritise those where it’s critical you attend. In some organisations, there is a culture of feeling you must show up for every video call. This can cause stress, because the way the technology makes us available can lead us to feel overwhelmed, so reduce attendance or call time where possible.

Avoid situations where negativity can flourish.
In business (especially with remote working), silos often form, but these are terrible for company-wide and inter-departmental communication. If we’re not working together, it’s harder to understand each other, and this may create negative perceptions of others.

If negativity is a problem, the only way round it is to open up communication. Speak to the individuals involved and try to move towards more positive conversations. Ask them – what do they think they are lacking in their role? What would they like to achieve?

You can also start to move the narrative by encouraging individuals to talk positively about their colleagues. Ask what they do well, what they appreciate, what are their strengths, how they could be helpful to each other. Without minimising people’s experiences, practice positive reinforcement wherever you can.

Set boundaries and manage expectations.
Every organisation – and every worker – is likely to be in a different position than they were two years ago, and of course there is no one way to create a positive company culture. There are a few different techniques to consider for varying workplace situations.

For companies implementing hybrid working.
If you are going to have people in the office at different times, consider setting core days. For example, one day a week where everyone is in, or alternate days for specific teams – whatever works for your organisation.

For chairing a digital meeting.
If you’re chairing a meeting – especially a virtual one – consider yourself as the host of a party. You’re the one bringing guests in, greeting them, looking after them. If you can create a sense of zestful ease amongst the people in the room, you are more likely to get engagement.

For using positive reinforcement.
When it comes to language, use three positive comments for every one negative. It’s useful to think in these terms when you’re managing an appraisal, for example. Be as specific as possible – talk about something the individual did, and the benefit it had for the team, client, or business.

When it comes to creating a positive company culture, small changes like these can make a huge difference to how employees feel. And if you want a more engaged, motivated and – most importantly – happy workforce, then this is the place to start.