{"id":84011,"date":"2023-09-04T20:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T20:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/?p=84011"},"modified":"2026-01-08T06:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:26:17","slug":"positive-work-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/positive-work-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Build And Sustain A Positive Work Culture In 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 7<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p>Employees spend a good chunk of their lives at work. As leaders, we must ensure they get the most out of it. A positive work culture can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employee turnover <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/employee-turnover-rate\/\">has increased since the pandemic<\/a>, as employees have job-hopped in an effort to take back control of their work and personal lives \u2014 often triggered by a desire to <a href=\"https:\/\/sloanreview.mit.edu\/article\/toxic-culture-is-driving-the-great-resignation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">escape a toxic culture<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organisations with positive work cultures <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/talent-management-strategy\/\">are likelier to retain staff<\/a> because they help people reach their full potential, without fear of judgment, disrespect or pressure to act against their values.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>How do you create a positive work culture in your organisation? <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will examine the building blocks of workplace culture, what undermines it, and what you can do to improve employee engagement today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Workplace Culture?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Workplace culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape employees&#8217; behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It includes everything from <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/corporate-dress-code\/\">dress codes<\/a> and formal policies to the \u2018unwritten rules\u2019 about work practices and interactions between co-workers and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"981\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia-981x1024.jpg\" alt=\"working-hours-in-australia\" class=\"wp-image-101155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia-981x1024.jpg 981w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia-287x300.jpg 287w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia-768x802.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia-1471x1536.jpg 1471w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/working-hours-in-australia.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 981px) 100vw, 981px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Above: Workplace culture includes hours employees are expected to work &#8211; as well as the perception of what &#8220;long hours&#8221; means.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Every workplace has a culture, but here\u2019s the difference between a positive and negative one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>A positive company culture<\/strong> brings out the best in people. It aligns employees&#8217; personal goals with organisational goals, while providing support in the form of constructive feedback and values-based leadership. It encourages people to take risks and be creative. Employees are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.<\/li><li><strong>In a negative work culture<\/strong>, on the other hand, people are neglected. Employee engagement suffers because managers don&#8217;t hold people accountable, while employees don&#8217;t feel comfortable taking risks or being creative for fear of making mistakes. That leads to stagnation and boredom.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive workplace culture can help to improve employee morale and motivation, leading to better performance and productivity while encouraging them to bring their whole selves to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Top talent wants to work for companies with cultures that align with their core values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">A 2019 survey of 5,000 people found that 77% of candidates consider a company\u2019s culture before applying to work there, and over half view culture to be more important than salary for their overall satisfaction in a role.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Factors Influence Company Culture?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A positive culture emerges when you closely manage your operating environment, workforce composition and competitive landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Strong Leadership And Management.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders&#8217; ability to communicate company vision, set individual expectations and hold people accountable while resolving everyday problems sets the tone for your workplace culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Open, transparent and accountable leaders<\/strong> make employees feel more comfortable speaking up, offering new ideas or taking risks, and using their initiative.<\/li><li><strong>Autocratic and dismissive leadership<\/strong> can lead to employees feeling micromanaged and disrespected, meaning they may become disengaged and unhappy.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Analysis of aggregated results from the employee survey tool CultureAmp shows that in Australia, some of the most important <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cultureamp.com\/science\/insights\/australia\">drivers of engagement<\/a>&nbsp;include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Organisation\u2019s<\/strong> commitment to excellence.<\/li><li><strong>Being<\/strong> up to date with the company&#8217;s goals.<\/li><li><strong>Confidence<\/strong> in the company&#8217;s leaders.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These results reinforce what good leaders intuitively know &#8211; employees want a work environment where they grow and learn, are part of something meaningful, and are led by effective leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/building-workplace-culture-855x1024.jpg\" alt=\"building workplace culture\" class=\"wp-image-84041\" style=\"width:641px;height:768px\" width=\"641\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/building-workplace-culture-855x1024.jpg 855w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/building-workplace-culture-250x300.jpg 250w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/building-workplace-culture-768x920.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/building-workplace-culture.jpg 1040w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Strong Company Values.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Company values form the bedrock of a positive work culture. Think of them as the moral scaffolding of your organisation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Enron had &#8220;integrity&#8221; listed as one of its values but failed to implement it and committed a few misdemeanours.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>They govern what employees will and will not do. Importantly, they include all overt and covert beliefs.  For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>A company that values teamwork<\/strong> will likely generate policies and practices that support collaboration. As a result, management may prioritise teamwork and foster improved trust and respect.<\/li><li><strong>A company that values long-term goals <\/strong>will likely promote people internally. This will create a culture where employees feel valued by providing more opportunities for career development.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For a company\u2019s values to positively influence workplace culture, you must embed them into <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/human-resources-life-cycle\/\">all stages of your HR lifecycle<\/a>. Your values must continuously guide how you hire, manage and fire people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees become confused and disillusioned when a company&#8217;s core values don\u2019t match actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Example.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">If your company claims to value diversity and flexibility but has a policy of not offering parental leave to fathers, employees may view this as hypocrisy and their job satisfaction will suffer.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Company Size.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, larger companies in metropolitan areas tend to be more formal, with stricter rules and guidelines. Employees are hired to perform roles with clear boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, there may be less room for creativity and individual expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, larger companies tend to have more resources available for perks and career development. (e.g., top talent can expect access to formal mentors and invitations to company retreats).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>In contrast, smaller companies tend to hire generalists, and give employees more autonomy.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Life at these companies feels less bureaucratic. However, formal mentoring opportunities and perks are usually scarce (or are available on an ad-hoc basis).<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If the company succeeds at scaling its operations, employees will get promoted quickly &#8211; often into roles that force them to learn on the fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>This is a double-edged sword.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some employees will find this environment excessively uncomfortable and chaotic, while others will thrive. As a leader, you must remember that not every employee is suited to a fast-paced environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Preserve a positive workplace culture by choosing your team members accordingly.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Company&#8217;s Industry.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies that operate in highly competitive, fast-paced, or tightly regulated industries might have more intense and rigid work environments, while others will have a more consultative, casual and experimental atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, the hospitality industry constantly changes, and remaining viable requires constant adaptation to new trends and customer demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>In a toxic culture<\/strong>, these industry conditions might result in a pattern of overwork and under-appreciation.<\/li><li><strong>In a positive work culture,<\/strong> staff might be supported through careful shift planning and fun rewards programs that inspire people to meet customer service targets.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Are The Signs Of A Positive Workplace Culture?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Positive culture is NOT measured by the presence of ping-pong tables or the amount of meaningless rhetoric about &#8220;work-life balance&#8221;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, look for the presence (or absence) of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Respectful behaviour,<\/strong> including being civil and patient, paying attention and maintaining the dignity of others. A workplace free from bullying, harassment and aggression.<\/li><li><strong>Growth mindset, <\/strong>starting with a commitment to performance, clear accountability mechanisms, and a focus on encouraging feedback.<\/li><li><strong>Cooperation and trust<\/strong>, where competition is friendly rather than cutthroat, decisions are transparent, collaboration and offering help are encouraged, and mistakes are forgiven\/learnt from \u2014 not used to assign blame.<\/li><li><strong>Compassion,<\/strong> through recognising that employees are humans with shifting energy and mental health levels who need manageable workloads, opportunities for rest and recovery, and kindness when they\u2019re doing it tough.<\/li><li><strong>Recognition,<\/strong> including fair compensation, acknowledgment of achievements and expressions of gratitude, time to reflect and celebrate, and learning and growth opportunities.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/thank-you-messages\/\">100 Sincere Thank You Message Ideas<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Create A Positive Work Culture.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a positive work culture is a bottom-up process that usually involves rethinking your <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/strategies-for-recruitment\/\">recruitment strategy<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/how-to-motivate-employees-as-a-manager\/\">approaches to motivating employees<\/a>. Don&#8217;t expect smooth sailing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people will need support during this transition, while others will be better off continuing their careers outside your organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Create A Sense Of Belonging.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m not talking about <em>belonging<\/em> in the watered-down sense, as it&#8217;s commonly used today by proponents of hollow DEI initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Belonging means being part of a shared vision.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It means living and breathing a common set of goals. It means earning battle scars and stepping outside your comfort zone to become &#8211; and remain &#8211; a dependable member of the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders and managers can only help employees feel a sense of belonging if the organisation is clear on its vision and mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">If the company doesn&#8217;t know why it exists or where it&#8217;s headed, how can employees understand whether they belong?<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies that skip this step fill the void with gimmicks and empty slogans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Vision is the reason for the company&#8217;s existence.<\/strong> It focuses on your company&#8217;s contribution to the world. &#8220;Be The Fastest Growing Company In Australia&#8221; is not a good vision. &#8220;Advance human longevity through the power of machine learning&#8221; is.<\/li><li><strong>Mission is the quantifiable goal that your company will achieve.<\/strong> While the vision centres outwards on your impact on the world, the mission focuses inwards. &#8220;Cure diabetes by 2030&#8221; and &#8220;Drive 1 million autonomous driving kilometres with 0 accidents&#8221; are solid examples.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Encourage Recognition And Feedback.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most managers are terrible at <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/types-of-feedback\/\">giving feedback<\/a>, and avoid doing it. This is understandable, as feedback is often synonymous with conflict and emotional pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Performance-oriented workplaces view feedback very differently.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>They reframe feedback as an opportunity for improvement. In this context, not giving feedback to an employee is an act of holding them back from reaching their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For these managers and their employees, short-term discomfort is an acceptable cost of creating long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>(Related: <u><a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/employee-recognition-programs\/\">Employee Recognition Programs That Work<\/a>).<\/u><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use positive language when giving feedback &#8211; this will help you maintain a positive workplace culture. For example, instead of saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>&#8220;This report is terrible &#8211; try again. The deadline is at 5 pm.&#8221;<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>&#8220;This report has a lot of room for improvement. Let me give you some guidance, to make sure you meet the 5 pm deadline.&#8221;<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Chastising your employees or pointing out flaws in their work will hurt team morale.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Provide Opportunities For Growth.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Do your employees know what success in their role looks like? Are they clear on their development areas for the next 3, 6 and 12 months?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure you communicate these well and provide plenty of support to <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/how-to-improve-team-performance\/\">help your employees get there<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create stretch goals that target specific employees&#8217; problem areas (make sure you position them as &#8220;your biggest opportunities for improvement&#8221;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>When the employee achieves the goal, offer plenty of recognition.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Make the recognition both private and public, if possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">While a direct acknowledgement in a one-on-one setting carries a lot of power, a company-wide note on Teams or Slack will also elevate the employee in the eyes of other employees.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"790\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture-1024x790.jpg\" alt=\"workplace culture principles\" class=\"wp-image-84063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture-1024x790.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture-1536x1186.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/principles-of-workplace-culture.jpg 1640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhance Your Company Culture Now.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a positive workplace culture requires a lot of patience and skill. But the effort is worth it. You&#8217;ll have fewer disengaged workers and see higher employee performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the tips I outlined in this guide, you can create a work environment that values results while fostering personal responsibility and employee wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Steven<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 7<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Employees spend a good chunk of their lives at work. As leaders, we must ensure they get the most out<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":84051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[222,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-human-resource-management","category-leadership"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Build And Sustain A Positive Work Culture In 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the steps to building and maintaining a positive work culture in your organisation. Define your vision, mission and values to create a positive workplace.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/positive-work-culture\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Build And Sustain A Positive Work Culture In 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the steps to building and maintaining a positive work culture in your organisation. 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