Starting from within: creating a successful workplace culture

By Alicia Duncan, Venue Director, The Mermaid London

Workplace culture, a phrase, I think, to which people can often assign negative connotations…‘toxic’, ‘dysfunctional’, ‘hostile’. And it’s true, workplace culture can be negative, but it can also be positive. Essentially, it is the way employees feel about the place in which they work. For example, do they feel engaged? Are there shared values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours? Or, is there a sense of tension? Are there unwritten rules? Is there an underlying malevolence to relationships?

The answer to this is important. And that is because of the impact a positive workplace culture can have. From increased productivity, greater staff retention and enhanced employee wellbeing, to an improved industry reputation, the potential to innovate, and the ability to hire new talent. A positive workplace culture can make or break a business.

So, how do you successfully create one?

Create confidence

Well, you start with empowering employees to take responsibility for their own areas of work. Remember, you’ve hired someone because they are great at what they do, so trust them to do it. Not only will this build trust in the employer-employee relationship, it will boost employees’ confidence; they will feel the faith you have put in them and thrive because of it, producing even greater results for your business, and generating a sense of pride amongst employees about the work that they do.

Taking this further, not only do you empower employees, you invest in them. Create an environment conducive to learning and professional development, showing employees that their professional goals are recognised, respected and supported. For example, make office space open plan, offer training opportunities which progress employees’ careers and, therefore, increase their fulfilment. As we do here at The Mermaid London, facilitate collaborative working by enabling people to learn from mentors, with people working as closely with the venue director as they do with fellow sales executives, for example. This environment will create loyalty amongst the workforce, but also ensure employees have confidence to ask questions without worry which, ultimately, means they can do their jobs better.

Encouragement can go a long way. By showing enthusiasm for people’s ideas and creativity at all levels of the business, it motivates employees to be open about their thoughts, and gives them the freedom to think outside of the box when unencumbered by fear that their contribution may be ridiculed or rejected. This, in-turn, creates a setting in which the workforce feels valued and its efforts appreciated...an environment in which the very best and brightest ideas can blossom.

Be the change you want to see

There is no denying that a workplace’s culture is set from the top. Employers should lead by example, demonstrating to employees the collective values and attributes expected of them – quite simply, walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk. Listening, showing respect, giving support, pitching in, embracing ideas, sharing success, and having an open-door policy are all important here. They each set the tone, encouraging an environment in which teamwork is paramount, creativity is championed, confidence is nurtured, and communication is prized.

Show employees that you prioritise people over profit. Here at The Mermaid London, we pay above the London Living Wage because we recognise that we can’t expect the best events from our team, let alone a collaborative and uplifting working environment, if the spectre of financial instability is constantly hanging over their heads. This extends to our actions in the community too. We are very proud to be supporting SANE this year, a national charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of people affected by mental illness.

By donating £1 for every day delegate rate package booked throughout 2024, we’re hoping, if nothing else, to normalise the conversation around mental health and instil in people a conviction that it’s okay to be vulnerable and admit when you’re struggling. Ensuring we practise what we preach, our general manager is a qualified mental health first aider. As a result of her training, she is able to support colleagues by utilising her active listening and empathy skills to initiate conversations tactfully, when needed, and recognise when a person may be struggling and take necessary action.

The power of communication

Communication is the backbone of a positive workplace culture, underpinning many of the other elements we’ve been discussing. Above all, it should be honest. People should feel as comfortable sharing negatives as they are sharing positives, and they should feel emboldened to do this. Encourage feedback, let employees know that communication is a two-way street and their opinions are appreciated. Don’t forget, the boss doesn’t have the moratorium on good ideas. Employees are as invested in the business as you are – constructive criticism is because they want to see it do well, not because they want to see it fail. So, use feedback as an opportunity to learn, improve, change for the better, and show employees that their voices are being heard.

It sounds simple but, quite literally, keep it simple. Have a clear strategy to ensure everybody is working towards the same goal, and everybody understands what they need to do within that. This will give employees a sense of purpose, but also reduce their stress as there is no confusion about what is expected of them. Basically, just be straightforward. Not only will it lead to greater productivity and efficiency, it will also make for better working relationships…win-win.

Now, when employees do the aforementioned great job we’ve just been talking about, reward them. It doesn’t have to be big, but giving praise where praise is due and recognising the efforts that have been put in (even just taking the time to say thank you in person), can have a sizeable impact – boosting morale, fomenting appreciation and inspiring loyalty. Never underestimate the power of the small things, or how willing employees are to give their best for you when they see that respect reflected back.

Final Thoughts

A positive workplace culture is worth investing in – and we don’t mean financially. We mean an investment in time, effort, commitment. An investment in people. Trust us, the pay-off in having a business that thrives, a team that flourishes, and working relationships with your staff that inspire creativity, loyalty and partnership, is invaluable.