Every workplace has a unique company culture that makes it stand out from the pack. Though each organizational culture is different, most company cultures fall into the same general categories. These are the most common types of workplace culture you need to be aware of, and some examples of great company cultures to inspire you.
A company’s culture encompasses its values, beliefs, behaviors, and overall work environment. Culture is what distinguishes one organization from another and shapes nearly every aspect of the employee and customer experience With competition for top talent on the rise, companies are recognizing the importance of purposefully cultivating a positive organizational culture
What exactly constitutes a “good” company culture? While that may look different across industries, some common themes emerge among organizations known for having exemplary cultures. Below are 10 impactful examples of positive company culture attributes
1. Respect and Fairness
A culture of respect means that employees at all levels feel valued for their contributions. There is openness to diverse perspectives and ideas. Constructive feedback is welcomed. Bullying, discrimination, and harassment are never tolerated. When the core tenet is respect, companies reap the rewards of higher engagement, inclusion, and innovation.
Spotify notably trains managers to deliver feedback in a thoughtful, empathetic style. This helps create a culture where employees know they are respected as individuals, not just workers.
2. Trust and Integrity
Trust in leadership and throughout the organization is foundational. Employees must believe that executives and managers will make ethical choices, communicate transparently, and follow through. Building trust requires acting with integrity at all times.
Costco’s culture is rooted in trust between the company and employees. They pay well above retail average and offer generous benefits rarely seen in the industry. In turn, Costco experiences extremely low turnover rates, proving that valuing employees pays off.
3. Growth Mindset
A growth mindset believes talents and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. This manifests in a culture that provides access to training, coaching, and stretch assignments. Employees are motivated to enhance their skills when growth is encouraged.
Intuit’s culture code is “challenge the status quo and make big bets.” This gives employees permission to take risks, experiment, and expand beyond their comfort zones. Intuit credits this mindset for their history of groundbreaking innovations.
4. Teamwork
Collaborative teamwork enables employees to leverage diverse strengths. A culture of teamwork breaks down silos through activities promoting relationship-building. Coworkers support each other personally and professionally. The team, not just the individual, is celebrated.
Walt Disney created a culture centered around teamwork and excellence. Cast members go through extensive training on how to function as a cohesive team. This ensures seamless guest experiences across their parks and resorts.
5. Employee Engagement and Advancement
Engaged employees feel energized and committed to their organization’s success. They are given opportunities to develop new skills and take on increased responsibilities. Advancement comes from within whenever possible through grooming top talent.
Southwest Airlines boasts one of the most unified company cultures. Employees are highly engaged thanks to strong communication, emphasis on fun, and pathways for internal mobility. Southwest receives nearly three times more internal applicants than external.
6. Communication and Transparency
Free-flowing, multi-directional communication promotes alignment. Employees understand how their work ladders up to company goals. Transparency creates informed teams who can give input to decisions. Even challenging news is shared quickly and openly.
Lush Cosmetics engages staff through transparent communication about company performance and strategy. Their individual stores also hold weekly forums allowing all employees a voice. This level of openness empowers their teams.
7. Diversity
Diverse companies tap into a wealth of perspectives that spark innovation. Equal opportunities are given regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or other factors. All employees feel welcomed to contribute their unique talents and experiences.
Airbnb aims for a consistent culture across their global workforce. They recognize that diversity strengthens their culture. Airbnb builds connection through traditions like cross-team meals where diversity is celebrated.
8. Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance shows respect for employees’ lives outside work. Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, remote work options, and family-friendly policies help attract and retain talent. Employees can thrive professionally without sacrificing personal priorities.
Salesforce’s culture emphasizes “ohana” – the Hawaiian tradition of family. They offer unlimited vacation, volunteer days, and work-from-anywhere flexibility. Salesforce knows supporting whole-life wellbeing creates a happier, more loyal workforce.
9. Wellness and Self-Care
Wellness initiatives demonstrate investment in employees’ overall health. Examples include gym subsidies, nutrition guidance, mental health services, and stress management programs. By promoting self-care, companies enable higher performance.
Outdoor retailer REI sets the standard for wellness in their industry. Employees enjoy two paid “Yay Days” annually to enjoy the outdoors. REI also offers parental leave, financial health services, and preventative health screenings.
10. Purpose and Meaning
A strong sense of purpose unifies and inspires teams. Employees feel their work has meaning beyond profitability. Customer centricity and social responsibility define the culture. Employment comes with a sense of fulfillment.
Patagonia’s famous “Let My People Go Surfing” flexible work program empowers employees to integrate work and play. But their higher purpose of environmental activism is what truly ignites passion. Patagonia’s culture reflects their deeper reason for existing.
Cultivating Cultural Excellence
Company culture stems from leadership decisions and conscious nurturing over time. While each organization’s culture is unique, universally positive attributes do exist.
By keeping these cultural pillars like trust, diversity, and work-life balance at the forefront, companies can build collaborative and purpose-driven workplaces. A thoughtfully crafted culture delivers tangible business results by fueling employee satisfaction, productivity, and commitment.
The examples above provide inspiration for leaders seeking to define or refine their own company’s culture. With intention and consistency, organizations can develop a thriving culture that brings out the best in their people and elevates the business.
Build your unique company culture Â
Company culture doesnât happen by accident. Now that you know more about the most common types of workplace cultures, and some great companies to inspire you, you can find ways to incorporate small or large elements into your organization and build your unique company culture. Â
To learn more about how you can build and improve your company culture, check out our tips here.
Examples of Great Company Cultures
Now that youâve learned about the different types of workplace cultures and the essential aspects of company culture, itâs time to see how various companies establish great company cultures. Check out these six work culture examples to see aspects of the different types of company cultures in action.
Youâll notice these companies have strong cultures and happy employees, but also lead in company performance and are world-renowned, proving yet again that a positive company culture can yield powerful business results. Â
The Dow Chemical Company has been at the forefront of science and technology for over a century, but some of their greatest successes have been in the company culture theyâve fostered.
Dow Chemical provides a place for their scientists to regularly come together and discuss the projects and challenges they are working on. Being able to connect and discuss across business units leads to innovative thinking, gives new hires critical exposure to senior scientists, and creates a sense of belonging that prevents competitors from poaching their top talent.
In recent years, Dow Chemical has also allowed manufacturing employees to have more flexible work schedules through their âDesign Your Dayâ policy. This makes it easier for team members to choose shifts that work around their familyâs needs and their other responsibilities.
âFor over 25 years, Capital One has revolutionized the credit card industry with data and technology, while still maintaining ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity in banking. Leaders at Capital One know that organizational success is fueled by a positive company culture, and they prove their commitment by investing in tools and establishing policies that improve the employee experience. Â
All 51,000 Capital One employees have access to a company-wide employee recognition program that allows teammates and leaders to share regular appreciation for both the small and large moments at work. According to feedback on a company survey, recognition at Capital One âmotivates peopleâ and helps people across the organization connect and collaborate.
Capital One employees also enjoy many benefits including No Meeting Fridays, Invest in Yourself Days (self-care days), and on-site cooking classes. Â
Adobe is built on creativity, so traditional performance ratings and rankings are not the best way to assess and value work performance. Adobe assigns team members to special projects, connects them to mentors, and provides special leader support to help their people succeed.
Rather than micromanaging, leaders ask team members about their goals and what kind of support they need to reach them. This process of mentoring and coaching means leaders inspire their people and then get out of the way. Â
âI can honestly say that Ive never been surrounded by so many genuine, authentic, and nice people in my career. The work environment is one where colleagues truly care about each other.â
âI love working for Adobe. The company focuses on individual growth and provides almost constant opportunities for growth. Couple this with the focus on work life balance and you have an almost perfect company.â
âWonderful hidden gem. Passionate and creative people, pride in the product. CEO does an awesome job. Vibrant work culture. Product groups are thriving.â
A world-leading mining and resources company, BHPâs purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world. Since their employees work in over 16 countries and in âofflineâ environments, BHPâs company culture empowers all employees to bring their best every day, and own the ability to make their work safer, easier, and better.
To encourage this company culture of empowerment and ownership, BHP provides continuous learning opportunities for all employees through the BHP FutureFit Academy, and flexible work schedules for employees seeking further education. Â
Finally, diversity and inclusion are top of mind for BHP. According to BHP recruiters, inclusive and diverse teams promote safety, productivity and wellbeing within BHP and this diversity underpins their ability to attract new employees.
Patagoniaâs policy is that employees can leave anytime there is a perfect surfâeven during office hours. Patagonia prides itself on superior quality products, and what better way to prove that than by using their own people to test them?
According to Patagonia leaders, âIf an employee really believes in the product, it will come across to the client.â
Patagonia is one of the best work culture examples out there. Patagoniaâs employees maintain passion for the products and are encouraged to showcase their diversity every day. This freedom to demonstrate individuality and ultimate autonomy over their work makes employees more likely to stay around for decades.
âGreat company culture. Environmentally and ethically conscientious. Socially responsible. Solid leadership. Incredible perks. Quality benefits for full-time employees. Core company values; it is a values-driven organization with special emphasis on sustainability and building excellent products.â
âGreat company culture. They give you time off to support community causes.â
âThe management was amazing and really cared for the employees. Patagonia takes their mission statement seriously as well as the well-being of their employees.â Â
CIBC is a leading North American financial and banking institution committed to creating enduring value for its stakeholdersâclients, team, communities and shareholders. A fundamental component of CIBCâs approach is investing in its teams and company culture. Â
Over the years, CIBC has proven this investment by establishing âPeople Networks,â employee-led resource groups that help employees find community and connection among coworkers. These groups meet regularly, plan activities at work, and organize volunteer events for the communities in which they operate. Â
Recognizing employeesâ different points of view and experiences is an essential part of what makes CIBCâs culture collaborative and dynamic.
3 Powerful Company Culture Examples | AIHR Learning Bite
What is a good company culture?
A well-cultivated company culture is your secret weapon to overcoming these hurdles. Your company’s culture has the power to breathe new life into your workforce, triggering higher levels of engagement, productivity and innovation. The ripple effect?
How do you write a company culture statement?
Before you write your culture statement, make an effort to understand your employees’ actual work experience. Observe them in their work environment and get their input on your culture with tools like employee surveys and focus groups. (Here’s a list of nine company culture questions you can ask them.)
What is a company culture?
A company culture is a set of attitudes, values, beliefs, goals, and other characteristics a company or organization follows to create a gratifying working environment.
How do you create a company culture?
Read on for 41 company culture ideas that you can implement today. Establish a committee. Hold townhall meetings. Prioritize diversity and inclusion. Put family and personal lives first. Promote core values. Host happy hours. Set up a cross-departmental buddy system. Turn departures into celebrations. 1. Establish a Culture Committee
