4 Ways Startups Can Create a Productive Culture at Work

During the early stages of your business, you will face many hurdles that will require constant problem-solving. Solving these problems on your own will likely prove difficult. Therefore, a positive workplace culture is essential to keep your team motivated through the successes and setbacks that come with starting your own business. Luckily, startups tend to attract workers who are passionate about your vision and willing to work hard to achieve it. In this article, we set out four ways you can harness the passion of your team to create a productive workplace culture.

1. Have a Big Vision and Sell It

Great founders have a big vision, and they communicate that vision in a way that motivates their team. They can share their passion with their employees, creating a culture of dedication to the company’s goals. When the group encounters hurdles, they work hard to overcome them in the hope of achieving the company’s vision. Irrespective of the purpose of your startup, ensure your employees know your vision and are passionate about it.

SpaceX is an example of a company with an inspiring mission that drives employees to work hard. This company has the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. Employees find it exciting to be part of this vision, so they are likely to work hard to achieve the company’s goals. Elon Musk, the company’s founder, keeps employees motivated by reminding them of the vision through speeches and emails. Additionally, employees gather to watch rocket launches so they can see the product of their hard work.

2. Be Transparent

Employees are inspired to work hard when they:

1. understand the purpose behind their work; and
2. can see the outcomes of their work.

To create a productive workplace culture, update your team regularly on your company’s performance. Let them know about current and future strategies, and incorporate their ideas into your company’s goals. Being transparent allows your employees to feel like they are important to the team and helps them align their activities with your company’s purpose. 

When your team can see how their work contributes to the greater vision and purpose of your company, they are motivated to continue working hard. Letting them know about any hurdles you are encountering will encourage them to find innovative solutions. This allows you to leverage the brain-power of your whole team, driving your business forward.

You can create a productive workplace by providing visual reminders of the company’s successes and setbacks. Programs that track your company’s key metrics such as sales, marketing and customer engagement can work as great platforms for communicating the company’s progress. 

3. Celebrate Milestones and Success

Share the successes of individual employees or teams with the whole company. Having a platform to share regular team updates and celebrating successes with special events such as team dinners or drinks are great ways to create a productive and positive workplace culture. 

4. Allow Flexibility

Set clear goals for your team, but allow them to figure out the best way to achieve those goals. In the words of Steve Jobs, “it doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”

Giving your team the flexibility to find the best way to achieve goals fosters a culture where employees take ownership and responsibility for their work. It keeps your team engaged, and encourages them to think of innovative ways to meet the business’ goals.

Allowing options for remote working is beneficial in giving your team the flexibility to achieve company goals in a way that works for them. Using online communication and collaboration tools can help effectively implement options for remote working. Flexible working allows employees to achieve goals in ways that are suited to their working style. In turn, this will foster a culture of balance where employees look after their wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

You will inevitably face many hurdles when launching a business. Having a positive company culture helps your employees work together to drive the business forward and achieve your startup’s goals. Effectively communicating your business’ vision, progress and goals are important undertakings in creating a productive environment for your team.

For more information on how to launch and grow a successful startup, download LegalVision’s free startup manual. If you have any questions, contact LegalVision’s startup lawyers on 1300 544 755 or fill out the form on this page.