Company Culture – Curse Word or Competitive Advantage?

The Power of Company Culture

Company culture is a buzzword that is constantly discussed in today’s work environment. You may have heard various descriptions of what company culture is and how it can be defined. But does the term “company culture” make you cringe? In my opinion, all these definitions have one thing in common: culture ultimately tells employees a shared story that blends the past, present, and future.

Moreover, company culture can even define a company’s image, brand, and set successful organizations apart from the rest. It is important to note that a company earns the culture it deserves through its actions. Therefore, how we define and build our company culture together in the workplace matters. Company culture is a combination of its parts, not just a single mindset. This calls for an examination of the practices and thoughts that prevail in the workplace. Defining company culture can be challenging, as ingrained habits often go unnoticed until they are questioned in challenging situations.

Taking a Leap into the Unknown – My First Year in the Tech Industry

Seeking a new job a year ago, I had a clear idea of the type of workplace and company culture I wanted to be a part of. One aspect that particularly interested me was the management’s perception of employees, as it significantly influences the way they try to shape behavior. It was essential for me to find a workplace where company culture was not solely confined to the HR department.

At Monad, I was convinced that I had found a company that combined sustainable business growth with a culture of experimentation, which resonated with my own values and aspirations. Thus, our shared story began in May 2022.

Companies are currently emphasizing the importance of fostering connections, and we are no exception. This is evident in our shared lunches, afternoon coffee breaks, exercise sessions, and various outings. Having an inviting office space plays a crucial role in facilitating these interactions. People enjoy coming here to work in appropriate workstations, hold meetings, and unwind after a productive day, perhaps playing board games.

We have developed many emotional connections over the past year, with empathy at the core of these interactions. Such encounters allow individuals to derive true value from them. Empathy is a key building block for fostering trust, which is essential for achieving common goals in the best possible way.

These aspects are also reflected in the responses of Monad employees in our regular employee satisfaction surveys. In our February’s survey, our employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) was 95. Many employees expressed their appreciation for the sense of community at Monad and felt genuinely cared for regarding their well-being.

Enabling Professional Dreams

At Monad, we strongly believe in inclusion. We collectively consider the factors that guide our actions, the type of customer projects we want to undertake, what we expect from one another, and the kind of company we aim to be five years from now. We encourage open conversations about both positive and challenging aspects. Human connection lies at the heart of our culture, fueling enthusiasm.

Through our experiences at Monad, we learn from failures while actively supporting each employee’s professional aspirations. We actively coach individuals towards achieving their personal career goals. We make every effort to accommodate work-life balance and recognize the unique life situations of each employee.

Healthy Growth Requires Structure

As a company grows from 30 to 50 employees, the need for shared rules, processes, and tools to establish structure becomes inevitable. It’s not efficient to reinvent the wheel constantly. Words like “process,” “rule,” or “hierarchy” may make some people uneasy, especially in the IT industry.

At this stage, I believe it is necessary to create the structures that streamline our work, ensure continued support for all employees, and eliminate unnecessary administrative tasks.

Moving forward, our company culture must align with our strategy, requiring active communication and nurturing. Our success as a company depends on embracing diverse strengths and carefully nurturing them.

Conclusion

Developing a strong company culture is a journey that involves the collective efforts of owners, management, and employees. It is a competitive advantage that can shape a company’s image, attract talent, and drive success. By prioritizing empathy, fostering open communication, supporting individual growth, and establishing necessary structures, companies can create a vibrant and thriving culture that sets them apart in today’s dynamic business world.