Business Cultures Old and New

In my travels visiting different businesses, I am amazed at the various different ways that companies have of treating their staff. Each culture has its merits, but some are nearly impossible to live with. Which culture does your business utilize?

Work hard and don't have a good time:
People in your business are there for only 1 thing; work. They are not there to socialise, romance or have a good time. They receive the legal requirements and no more in relation to holidays, pensions etc. Due to this rigid culture, staff do not interact and new ideas are not forthcoming. They refuse to think about work at home and most hate the senior people in their organisation.

Dress code:
All units have their own dress code so that managers, administrators, sales, cleaners etc. are all easily identified. Managers must wear a suit and tie even if the office is melting on an exceptionally warm day.

Be seen to be busy:
They spend a lot of time looking busy, even when their workload is light, just in case their boss throws more tasks their way. You will often notice them moving fast in the corridor with a clipboard in hand, even if they are going to the toilet!

Make sure you spend your budget:
If their department has a budget, they ensure that it's totally used up before the next allocation, so that it is not cut in the future. They will claim that the budget is restrictive and hampers their efforts.

Don't mingle:
The sales staff will not mingle with the cleaners, whilst the mangers do not sit at the same table as the administrators!

Don't ask questions:
Most people in the organisation do not question the way of working just in case it jeopordises their own position, even if they know a way of working that would be more beneficial to their business.

Don't help other departments:
If other parts of the organisation fare badly, then your unit is more secure. If you have an idea that would improve another section of the business you must keep it to your self. Isn't that the only way of preserving your unit and ensuring the survival of your job?

Cultures need to evolve:
Cultures need to evolve with the times, as younger, hungrier companies enter the market place. They are likely to be more dynamic and prepared for new opportunities that beckon.

Cultural revolution:
The old rules have all been dumped by many of the fastest growing companies in the world. Businesses like Microsoft and Pixar have abandoned the old ways of working.

Flexi Time:
You work the hours that are convenient to you. You are trusted and this makes you feel empowered. Suddenly staff take their work home with them even though they have worked far more hours then they are supposed to.

No dress code:
Managers are often seen wearing jeans and tee-shirts! It becomes harder to distinguish who does what. Staff mingle with each other freely and no longer have the "us and them" attitude. Romance at the work place is no longer frowned upon.

Free sharing of ideas:
By freely sharing ideas and innovations the business prospers leading to higher benefits as a percentage of profits are allocated to better working conditions and bonuses.

You are judged on results:
People are judged on performance and results, not how busy they seem to be! No longer is it the right of a senior manger that when his son enters the organisation it is automatically assumed that he will take over when the manager eventually retires.

Education is encouraged:
The business contributes to helping their staff become more qualified. Isn't the business only as good as its weakest link?

Offices should be comfortable:
Offices are climate controlled and encourage staff to feel comfortable. No longer are meetings confined to boardrooms. You are just as likely to have a meeting outside the office, as you are in the canteen.

Technological revolution:
With the advent of new technology you can work from anywhere. No longer do you have to "clock in". Meetings can be done over video links via the Internet. Some staff hardly ever come to the office.

Sick Days:
People no longer have to lie and make excuses.
It is okay to phone up and say that you are not in the mood for working that day! If the workforce is happy aren't they more likely to be productive? If a child is sick then shouldn't they be allowed some flexi time to be a parent?

Idea Box
People are encouraged to put all their thoughts in a box. They can do so anonymously or have their names on the paper. The best ideas are rewarded with prizes. No longer is innovation stifled.

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