5 Questions to Ask Your Team About Your Company Culture

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, organizations are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role that company culture plays in driving success. A company's culture is the heartbeat of its operations, influencing employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness. One powerful tool to gain insights into and shape company culture is to conduct an annual assessment and ask your team vital questions about their experience working for you. 

In the realm of leadership support and organizational transformation, company culture assessments stand as a strategic imperative. Read below for insight on the importance of assessing company culture and some sample questions to ask. 

(Check out our other blog post HERE for more tips!)

Why Assess Company Culture?

In a world where talent retention is a cornerstone of organizational success, the impact of company culture on employee performance and longevity cannot be overstated. Studies consistently demonstrate a direct correlation between a positive workplace culture and enhanced employee performance. According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 94% of employees believe that a positive workplace culture is crucial for their professional success. Furthermore, organizations with a strong emphasis on a supportive culture report a 50% higher employee engagement rate, leading to increased productivity and innovation. 

Beyond performance, a robust company culture plays a pivotal role in employee retention. The Global Talent Trends report by LinkedIn found that 70% of professionals would consider leaving their current job for one with a better workplace culture. Retention rates are significantly higher in organizations where employees feel a sense of belonging and alignment with the company's mission and values. 

The tangible benefits of investing in a positive culture are evident in reduced turnover costs and enhanced talent attraction. Companies fostering a culture of continuous development and support witness a substantial decrease in employee turnover, ensuring that the investment in talent acquisition and development pays long-term dividends. As organizations navigate the competitive landscape for top talent, cultivating a positive and inclusive culture emerges not only as a strategic imperative but also as a key driver of sustained employee performance and retention.

Company culture is not merely an abstract concept but a living, breathing force that defines an organization's values, beliefs, and behaviors. A well-defined and positive culture fosters a conducive work environment, attracts top talent, and ultimately contributes to the success and longevity of a business.

Ways to Obtain Feedback

The best assessment measures are diverse in format and you can use any combination of the following: 

Structured Interviews: Conducting structured interviews as part of a company culture assessment provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration. Asking questions that touch on cultural identity and beliefs can shed light on how well an organization understands and respects the diversity of its workforce.

Surveys: Surveys offer a broader perspective, allowing organizations to gather insights from a larger audience. Key questions in surveys can focus on employee comfort, alignment with policies, and overall satisfaction.

Informal Conversations: Informal conversations create a relaxed setting for open dialogue. This method provides a more nuanced understanding of the day-to-day experiences of employees, uncovering aspects that may not be apparent through formal channels. You may also learn something in a more informal method that you wouldn’t think to ask on a formal survey or in an interview.

Retreats and Strategic Planning Sessions: Bringing your team together for a day of planning and reflection is a great (and fun) way to get some feedback on your company culture. If you have the budget to make this a getaway for your team, you can get some valuable information after a few hours of focused, dedicated time. 

Sample Questions: 

"My employer understands, or seeks to understand, my cultural identity and religious beliefs."

→ Why it’s important: This question gives you a pulse of how you’re doing when it comes to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). Notice that the question includes “seeks” to understand, meaning you don’t need to deeply understand every nuance of the cultures of your team, but making an effort to understand and ask meaningful questions is important. 

"I feel comfortable sharing negative feedback with my employer."

→ Why it’s important: It’s easy to share good news. But hearing how your team feels in regard to sharing the hard things will give you insight into how emotionally safe your organization is. Open communication, including the hard conversations, is important for organizational success. 

"Daily operations match what is stated in the employee handbook."

→ Why it’s important: This will tell you two things. The first is that your team has read and understands the employee handbook, and the second is whether or not you are in alignment with your organizational policies and procedures. 

"I have adequate training and support to perform the jobs asked of me."

→ Why it’s important: Lack of support and resources are one of the top reasons why people quit their jobs. This question will give you good insight into how your team feels in regard to the resources they have available. Knowing this information can help you prevent turnover and address concerns proactively. 

"I would recommend working here to my friends or family."

→ Why it’s important: This question gives you an overall perspective on how happy your team is with the organization and their job. We all want the best for our friends and family, and positive responses to this question shows you that your team feels this is an environment they’d want to share with those that they love.

A company culture assessment is not just a tool; it's a compass guiding organizations toward excellence. By employing diverse methods such as interviews, surveys, and informal conversations, businesses can unravel the intricacies of their culture, address gaps, and pave the way for transformation. Embrace the power of insights gained through culture assessments, foster a positive workplace, and watch as your organization thrives in the dynamic landscape of professional development. After all, the heartbeat of success lies in a culture that resonates with the values and aspirations of its people.