How strong is your corporate culture?

by: Mickie Lara

Over the past several years, you’ve probably heard (or read) about certain companies that have amazing cultures. Like Google, where employees are treated to gourmet meals and a variety of other perks (check out these 101 fun facts about working at Google – we promise you’ll be jealous).  Or Southwest Airlines, whose culture of combining hard work with fun extends to including customers in events like a mid-flight fashion show with gift cards for passengers.

But did you know that places like USAA and Discover are also tops when it comes to culture? The organizations on Business Insider’s “25 Most Enjoyable Companies To Work For” list cover a range of industries, but they all have something in common: they’ve created a system of beliefs and behaviors that brings out the best in people.

Not matter what industry you’re part of, internal culture is important. Whether you have three employees or three thousand employees, your culture has a significant impact on their attitudes, level of productivity, and ability to deliver your brand promise. It’s no surprise that organizations with strong cultures tend to have satisfied customers as well.

Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between a strong culture and high performance levels. Organizations with strong cultures are also more likely to be able to withstand changes and challenges, because they have developed mindsets and patterns that make it easier to overcome obstacles.

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