One of the worst mistakes a manager or business owner can make is not realizing that there is a strong connection between employee satisfaction and customer experience. Employees who don’t feel at ease at work will struggle to perform at their best, and customers immediately notice when an employee is not fully engaged. Maintaining a positive workplace culture is essential. When employees feel respected, heard and encouraged, they are significantly more motivated to deliver a remarkable customer experience.
Read on to learn why positive workplace culture is the foundation of business success.
A Strategy for Employee Retention
Workplace culture may seem like a vague or abstract concept, but it’s tightly connected to the actual everyday operations of a company. Workplace culture is the set of values that dictate hiring decisions, internal policy, and leadership practices. A healthy workplace culture promotes and rewards work ethics, inclusion, effective communication, collaboration and equality, thus creating a fair work environment.
A significant benefit of creating a positive workplace culture is employee retention. Employees with positive feelings about their jobs, colleagues, and management are more likely to want to remain in the company. Conversely, employees who perceive their work environment as toxic are more likely to quit. Employee retention is essential for fast business growth. The costs of hiring and training new employees are not negligible, so it is in the company’s best interest to retain employees for as long as possible.
A positive workplace culture helps build employee loyalty and, indirectly, customer loyalty.
Legal Implications
According to labor laws, every company should strive to create a positive and supportive workplace culture. Every employee has the right to work in a safe and fair environment, regardless of their position in the company, age, gender, or race. The consequences of tolerating toxic or discriminatory behavior can be severe. An unfair work environment will not only drive employees away but will create legal complications for the employer.
A toxic workplace culture that doesn’t punish discrimination will cause employees to build resentment towards the employer. They may even feel the need to seek legal action. A great way to avoid legal issues is to encourage employees to talk openly about things that bother them. Honest communication and a good feedback policy are crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment.
Are you a victim of toxic, discriminatory behavior at work? Does your management tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, race, or ethnicity? It is not uncommon for employees to speak against discrimination in the workplace and find themselves a target of their employer’s anger. Have you been punished for demanding a fair and positive work environment? Consider filing a complaint with the EECO with professional advisors to protect your rights. The EEOC can ensure a quick and fair investigation.
Final Words
Respect and fair treatment motivate employees to give their best. Whether you’re a manager or an employee, speak against toxic, unfair, and discriminatory behavior and make sure those who perpetuate this type of behavior will be stopped. Be ready to resort to legal action if necessary.
