SBTM April 2015 | Page 31

EDITORIAL FEATURE 5 Reasons to Build a Better Culture By Aimee Woodall C ulture’ is one of corporate America’s favorite buzzwords.  Like ‘synergy’ or ‘proactive’, this five-dollar word aims to encompass all that makes a company special by showcasing things like break room Ping-Pong tables, complimentary gym memberships, and Fun Friday ice cream socials.  Culture has become shorthand for perks but it shouldn’t be.   Perks are a great way to get new employees in the door.  But how do you keep them there?  That’s what culture is for.  Think of it this way:  Perks are your sizzle; culture is your steak.  Culture is the environment you offer, the feedback you solicit, and the comfort level your employees have in approaching you with ideas.  Beyond that, it shows your staff the flexibility, collaboration, and strength of purpose that you can offer them long term.   You build a culture because you care about your people and recognize that they are people!  Employees need support, harmony, and autonomy in their work environment and the best employers provide that because they are people too.   Still need a reason to start building a better company culture?  Here are 5 business benefits you get when you put your people first:    Loyalty Employees who feel trusted and who are given opportunities to grow tend to be a lot happier at work.  They also stay put the longest.  Loyalty means much more than seeing the same faces around the office.  Tho ͔