What is Company Culture

Company culture is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot in workplace conversations, but what does it really mean? Is it pool tables and table tennis in the breakroom? Flexible working hours? Or maybe it’s about after-work socials and team-building days out. While these things might be part of it, company culture goes much deeper than surface perks. It’s the personality of the company, the shared values, and the environment that form the foundations for how employees feel and interact within the workplace.

At the UK Company Culture Awards, we celebrate organisations that have gone above and beyond to create environments where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. But before we dive into how you can enter the Company Culture Awards, let’s take a look at company culture and what makes it great!

What is Company Culture – the definition.

In simple terms, company culture is the shared set of values, goals, and behaviours that define how people work together. It’s a workplace’s DNA – it’s embedded in how decisions are made, how colleagues interact, and how problems are solved.

You can think of culture as the cornerstone on which a business is built. Whether it’s how transparent leadership is with staff, how approachable the senior team is, or whether there’s a real focus on work-life balance, the environment, health and wellbeing, reward and recognition, all of these elements form the foundation of culture.

Why Does Company Culture Matter?

A positive company culture can transform the workplace from simply a place you have to go, into somewhere you want to be. And, let’s face it, we spend a lot of time at work, so this is no small thing!

Studies show that companies with great cultures have higher levels of employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity. When people feel valued and part of a positive workplace environment, they’re more likely to go the extra mile. This is great for business success but also contributes to a happier and healthier overall workplace.

In recent years the move towards remote and hybrid working has accelerated, culture has had to evolve. It’s no longer just about office snacks and quarterly socials. Businesses have to think about how to foster a strong, cohesive culture across remote teams and ensure that people feel connected and a sense of belonging regardless of where they’re working from.

Key Elements of a Great Company Culture

So, what exactly makes up a great company culture? Let’s break it down:

1. Clear Values and Mission
   Every organisation should have a set of core values and a clear mission that guide decision-making. These aren’t just for show – they should be lived and breathed by everyone, from top leadership down. Employees need to feel like they’re part of something bigger, with a sense of purpose.
2. Strong Leadership
   Leadership sets the tone for company culture. A great culture starts at the top, with leaders who are approachable, transparent, and willing to listen. They create an environment where feedback is welcomed, and employees feel empowered to share their ideas and develop working practices and the culture itself.
3. Employee Wellbeing
   Wellbeing is more than just physical health; it’s mental and emotional health too. Companies that prioritise a work-life balance, offer mental health support, and ensure employees don’t burn out are the ones creating workplaces where people feel cared for.
4. Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging
   The best company cultures are inclusive, making everyone feel like they belong, no matter their background, gender, or beliefs. Encouraging diversity in the workplace leads to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, creating a richer, more dynamic environment.
5. Continuous Learning and Development
   A great workplace culture is one where employees are encouraged to grow. Whether it’s providing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, or regular feedback sessions, employees should feel that they are constantly learning and moving forward.
6. Recognition and Reward
   People want to feel appreciated, and a great company culture includes recognising and rewarding hard work. Whether it’s formal recognition programmes, shout-outs in meetings, or small tokens of appreciation, employees need to know their contributions are valued.

The Role of the UK Company Culture Awards

At the UK Company Culture Awards, we’re all about celebrating those companies that get the above right. Whether it’s through innovative approaches to wellbeing, outstanding leadership, or creating an environment where diversity thrives, we recognise those businesses that are truly invested in building positive workplace cultures.

Company culture is the heart and soul of any workplace; It’s what makes a company unique and what attracts new business relationships, tempts new hires and makes employees want to stay. From leadership style to employee wellbeing and diversity, every little detail contributes to shaping that all-important culture.

These awards aren’t just a pat on the back – they highlight the companies that are driving change, fostering happier and more productive workplaces, and setting the standard for others to follow. Judged by leading industry experts the awards are not just about employee feedback (although their testimonials can be included in your supporting documentation) but about objectives, investment and results. By shining a spotlight on culture, we hope to inspire more organisations to take a closer look at their own practices and find new ways to create a more fulfilling workplace for everyone.

So, here’s to celebrating the companies that are getting it right – and inspiring others to do the same! Download your entry form here.