Work culture is a fairly misunderstood idea because different organizations define it differently. Generally, it is perceived as the goals, objectives, and values based on which an organization functions. This could also include the kind of work environment that an organization provides to its employees, their vision, and work principles. 

Due to the confusion regarding work culture, we’ve listed in this article five things people get wrong about it. Keep reading to find out!

Why is a good work culture important?

Workplace culture is essential to the smooth functioning of any organization. It keeps all the employees informed about the objectives of the company and what the employer expects from their team. This enables the employees to be aligned with the values of the company and its goals, allowing them to work more efficiently. 

Work culture also involves providing a healthy work environment for all employees. This increases employee engagement and keeps the motivation going on at the workplace. Ultimately, good work culture is beneficial to the employee as well as the organization’s growth.

Misconceptions about work culture

Here are five common misconceptions that people have about work culture. 

Myth #1: It’s all about company perks.

Simply giving annual bonuses or gift vouchers isn’t enough to create a healthy work culture. Tangible benefits are attractive, but employees also need to feel safe enough to be themselves and voice their opinions in front of their peers and bosses. For that, a diverse and supportive work environment needs to be created. 

Myth #2:  Fear-based culture is normal. 

Hierarchy is important to maintain order in any system. However, a toxic authoritative relationship between the boss and their employees can adversely affect the productivity of the organization. It puts unnecessary stress on the employees and can even lead to mental health issues in the long term. A healthy work culture provides an easy and safe space for all employees. 

Myth #3: Work culture is all about socializing. 

With weekly parties and potlucks, some organizations have certainly amped up the idea of work culture. However, as much as networking is a big part of work culture, that’s not all there is to it. Such activities are intended to elevate team building. When everyone in a team knows each other well, it enhances productivity and efficiency, leading to well-managed projects. 

Myth #4: Work culture cannot be changed. 

Of course, work culture evolves. As teams and projects change, the goals and motivations of an organization can also change over time. A company’s work culture must be flexible enough to accommodate these changes as well. 

Myth #5: HR team is not needed unless it’s a large company.

This is not true. The HR team is responsible for managing every employee of an organization, regardless of their number. Even for a small startup, every employee’s needs must be taken care of so that they can put their best efforts into a project.

Conclusion

The key idea behind a work culture is to provide a safe work environment to employees. We hope this article has quashed some of your misconceptions regarding work culture and helped you understand it better.