How to create a company culture

[Solly]

Our company is growing fast (doubled staff in 6 months) and we now have two offices.

I am trying to keep the company cohesive, but with two locations, teams under different managers etc there are clear indications of different approaches being taken by different people/teams. To an extent that is fine, I think there should be flexibility, but I worry it may go too far.

What I have done so far...

• Implemented company wide software systems (Slack & Jira)
• Culture and Values file discussing how different aspects of work should be addressed
• Standardised policies across the company
• Regular company wide emails
• Consulted and standardised things like testing

What else do people think is practical to do, to keep us united? I don't want it to become prescriptive I want ideally to be organic.

 

[AstEver]

I don't want it to become prescriptive I want ideally to be organic.

It is going to be both.

to keep us united?

That is one dimension. What culture would support your business strategy?
Are the two offices in close proximity?

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

You have mentioned software but also standard work procedures across both sites and remote no matter where people are working in the world

It does not like a question of culture but just standardizing procedures for every task and operation

Example ..The interaction by email with customers should be exactly the same on both sites

 

[Solly]

Good question @AstEver

That has got me thinking about this is a number of problems with the staff how have been here longer, when they are not testing enough and rather over optimistic is the lack of bugs in their work.

I don't want to moan at them into behaving better but the quality of their work is lower than the new team (1684 miles away). In an ideal world I want them to be inspired to do better. They are capable, but I think have got into bad habits.

I also want them to be a bit more tenacious in fixing problems themselves, I feel the staff give up too easily.

 

[Bob Morgan]

Encourage them to TALK to each other! - Irrespective of the Distance, Cultures, and Languages, etc. If they do not, THEN it is time to intervene!

 

[AstEver]

Common objectives, frequent communication (formal and informal), video conferences, visits, common projects, reward based on common perormance. Etc.

But is it going to support your business strategy?

 

[Socio South West]

Have a read/listen to 'Delivering Happiness' by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos - The section on company culture is quite strong, and interesting.

 

[jurassicaffirm]

You should select people whom you think fit your company culture before hiring them. You should define your culture clearly, reward your employees.

 

[GiggiAt]

firstly, you need to instil good values, by mirroring them yourself - you need to be a good role model. Write these down and create strategies on how you are going to address these values e.g. company fun day out (if that's the culture you're aiming for).