Insights from two work cultures: one vibrant, one toxic

Video transcript:

Is your work culture purposeful, positive and productive? Too few senior leaders pay close attention to the health of their organization’s work culture.

Let’s examine two very different work cultures.

The first is the Radio Flyer Company, an iconic American brand with over 100 years of trusted, innovative and loved products. Company leaders have built and sustained a vibrant work culture. Radio Flyer has been certified as a “Great Place to Work.” On Glassdoor, employees give the company a 4.9 rating out of 5.0 points. Ninety-nine percent of employees approve of the CEO, and 99% of employees would recommend the company to a friend.

The second is an independent agency of the US government. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been in the news since November 2023 when reports surfaced that the agency’s work culture was deeply flawed — and the toxicity was impacting the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission.

An outside law firm conducted a review of the FDIC’s culture. They found documented examples of stalking, harassment, discrimination and homophobia based on more than 500 complaints from employees. The report found that women and minorities were the most frequent targets of misconduct. Even when complaints were lodged over the years, those responsible were never held accountable for their actions. Today, the agency struggles to retain talented players and recruit new staff.

Your company’s work culture may not be as bad as the FDIC’s or as stellar as Radio Flyer’s.

To build your understanding about the health of your work culture, you must dig into the data. Some tools available to you include:

• Glassdoor or Indeed ratings
• Employee morale surveys
• Retention and attrition patterns
• Live, face-to-face small group sessions to learn employee perceptions of what’s great or not-so-great about your work culture

You’ll discover gaps that need prompt attention — and gaps that require ongoing focus in the days and months ahead.

We guide our clients to set high standards for both performance and respect by specifying the behaviors that everyone in the company must demonstrate. Then, we coach clients in practical methods to hold everyone accountable for results and respect in daily interactions.

That will build and sustain an uncompromising work culture.

Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.

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