What is Workplace Culture?
Workplace organizational culture is defined as the attitudes, values, and beliefs that shape the workplace environment. The culture or these “unwritten rules” can impact employee morale, productivity and health. It plays a key role in predicting workplace satisfaction and stress levels and provides the foundation for workplace health.
10 Important Elements Of Organizational Culture
• Management practices
• Demand or workload
• Communication
• Participation in decision-making
• Leadership style
• Job control
• Work life balance
• Feeling valued
• Fairness
• Social support
It is seen as an ‘extra’, a social nicety, or something to focus on if you have time.
With more people living alone or separate from extended family and friends, it is critical that we are as diligent about our social well being as we are about our physical well being.
July is Social Wellness Month and it reminds us that we need to reach out to others and build stronger social ties with co-workers, family and friends. Social Wellness encourages us to develop better communications with those around us including the ability to share our feelings and needs. It involves respecting yourself and others and developing a solid social support system.
According to an Australian study by the Centre for Aging Studies at Flinders University, those who had a large network of friends outlived those with the fewest friends by 22%. They believe that this occurs because the companionship provided by friends may ward off depression, boost self-esteem, and provide support. Also, as people age, they may become more selective in their choice of friends, so they spend more time with people they like, which positively influences the person’s health.
People with social support from friends and co-workers have fewer cardiovascular problems and immune problems, and lower levels of cortisol. Why? The evolutionary argument maintains that humans are social animals, and we have evolved to be in groups. Therefore, people with social connections feel more relaxed and at peace, which is related to better health and a better bottom-line.
Unfortunately, according to “Social Isolation in America,” published in the American Sociological Review, we are forming fewer friendships than in the past. From 1985 to 2004, the number of Americans who felt they had someone with whom they could discuss important matters dropped by nearly one-third. The number of people who said they had no one they could discuss such matters with tripled to nearly 25%.
Waste Of Time Or Time Well Spent?
Workplace celebrations are an important part of social wellness and can range from monthly birthday parties to rewards for team accomplishments. Being recognized for those accomplishments shows employees that you are paying attention to what they are doing at work, you value their contributions and you take a personal interest in who they are as a person. The celebration helps create a sense of team unity and gives the team a chance to bond and reminisce on the project’s success. The celebrations provide an enjoyable break from the regular routine of the workplace and can boost engagement, productivity and creativity. Workplace celebrations enhance the culture of a workplace, making it fun and enjoyable place to be.
It’s about making connections and knowing that you’re a piece of something bigger than yourself. What a valuable piece of knowledge when it comes to coping with today’s stressors.
Do you need someone to work with your leaders on developing a supportive culture?
If so, Beverly Can Provide This Training. Please feel free to call and discuss the details at: 705-786-0437
Bring Beverly to your team: Making Wellness Work or Stress Smart Leaders For StressLess Teams
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