Learn about the National Standard - Organizational Culture

havethattalk

21 Oct 201603:30

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the concept of organizational culture, emphasizing its impact on workplace dynamics and employee well-being. It contrasts a negative culture, characterized by stress and lack of trust, with a positive one, where respect, teamwork, and psychological safety prevail. The script suggests practical steps for fostering a positive culture, such as team-building activities, mentorship programs, and establishing clear company values. It highlights the importance of organizational culture in supporting psychological health and safety in the workplace, directing viewers to resources for further information.

Takeaways

🌐 Culture encompasses shared beliefs, values, norms, and expectations within a group or workplace.
🏢 Every workplace has a unique organizational culture that influences employee behavior and problem-solving.
🔍 A positive organizational culture is characterized by psychological safety, trust, respect, and fair decision-making.
👥 In a healthy workplace, employees feel like they are part of a team working towards a common goal.
📈 Signs of a positive culture include job satisfaction, high morale, and strong teamwork among employees.
🤝 Building a positive culture involves team-building activities and mentorship programs for employees and leaders.
📝 Defining and communicating company beliefs, values, and purpose is crucial for establishing a positive organizational culture.
🌳 Encouraging activities that connect employees with nature and each other, like walking groups, can foster a positive culture.
💬 Employees can contribute to a positive culture by identifying and expanding on their current efforts.
📚 Organizational culture is one of the factors supporting psychological health and safety in the workplace.
🔗 Resources are available for learning more about mental health in the workplace and fostering positive cultures.

Q & A

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word 'culture'?
-When people think of 'culture,' they might consider differences in beliefs, values, or shared expectations that guide behavior in a society or group.
How does organizational culture differ from one workplace to another?
-Organizational culture varies as each workplace has its own unique set of norms, meanings, values, and beliefs that shape the expectations and behaviors of its employees.
What are some differences in expectations you might experience in a new workplace compared to previous ones?
-Differences in expectations could include variations in work ethics, communication styles, leadership approaches, and the emphasis on teamwork versus individual achievements.
How can a workplace's culture influence its employees?
-A workplace's culture shapes how employees act, solve problems, and interact with each other, which can either foster a positive and productive environment or lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
What is an example of a negative organizational culture?
-A negative organizational culture might be characterized by a lack of respect, trust, and honesty, where employees feel constantly stressed, in competition with each other, and constantly seeking to leave the job.
What are the hallmarks of a positive organizational culture?
-A positive organizational culture is marked by psychological safety, trust, honesty, respect, fair decision-making, strong teamwork, and high employee satisfaction and morale.
How can employees contribute to building a positive organizational culture?
-Employees can engage in team-building activities, participate in mentorship programs, and help set a positive tone by aligning with the company's values and purpose, as well as by connecting with nature and coworkers during breaks.
What are some actionable steps an individual can take to contribute to a positive culture?
-Individuals can write down their current contributions to a positive culture and identify new ways to contribute, even if it's just one thing, to make a difference in the workplace environment.
What is the significance of organizational culture in supporting psychological health and safety?
-Organizational culture is one of the 13 factors that support psychological health and safety in the workplace, indicating its crucial role in fostering a healthy and supportive environment for employees.
Where can one find more resources on building a positive workplace culture and supporting mental health?
-Resources can be found at MentalHealthCommission.ca/NationalStandard and haveTHATtalk.ca, which offer guidance and support for creating positive organizational cultures and promoting psychological health.
How can companies formally articulate their beliefs, values, and purpose to foster a positive culture?
-Companies can write down their core beliefs, values, and the purpose of their work, and ensure that these are communicated clearly to all employees to guide their actions and behaviors in alignment with the desired culture.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Understanding Organizational Culture

This paragraph introduces the concept of 'culture' and prompts the audience to reflect on their own workplace culture. It discusses how every workplace has a unique organizational culture with different norms, values, and beliefs. The paragraph emphasizes that these cultural aspects influence workers' behavior and problem-solving strategies. It contrasts a negative workplace culture, exemplified by LeAnne's stressful and competitive environment, with a positive one characterized by psychological safety, trust, and respect.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Culture

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, norms, and behaviors that characterize a group or organization. In the context of the video, it is used to discuss the distinct atmosphere and practices within different workplaces, emphasizing how these cultural aspects influence employee behavior and problem-solving strategies.

💡Organizational Culture

Organizational culture encompasses the values, expectations, and social environment of a workplace. It is a critical factor in shaping employee attitudes and behaviors. The video highlights that every workplace has its unique culture, which can either be positive or negative, affecting employees' job satisfaction and well-being.

💡Expectations

Expectations refer to the anticipated or predicted behavior or performance standards within a group or organization. In the video, it is used to discuss how different workplaces have varying expectations of their workers, which contribute to the overall organizational culture.

💡Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is a state in which individuals feel free to express their ideas, ask questions, and take risks without fear of negative consequences or judgment. The video emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace culture that fosters psychological safety, where employees can feel secure and comfortable sharing their thoughts and collaborating effectively.

💡Teamwork

Teamwork involves the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal. The video underscores the significance of a positive organizational culture in promoting teamwork and collective achievement, where employees feel part of a united team working towards shared objectives.

💡Morale

Morale refers to the confidence, enthusiasm, and general mental state of individuals within a group or organization. High morale is associated with job satisfaction and productivity. The video links a positive organizational culture with high morale, indicating that employees are more likely to be motivated and committed when they feel valued and supported.

💡Mentorship

Mentorship is a relationship in which an experienced individual guides and supports the development of a less experienced one. The video suggests mentorship programs as a way to build a positive organizational culture by fostering growth and learning through the sharing of knowledge and experience.

💡Values

Values are the principles or standards of behavior that guide decision-making and actions within an organization. The video emphasizes the importance of clearly defining and communicating a company's values as a foundational element of a positive organizational culture.

💡Purpose

Purpose refers to the underlying reason or objective that drives an organization's actions and decisions. A clear sense of purpose can inspire and motivate employees, aligning their individual goals with the organization's mission. The video highlights the need for organizations to articulate their purpose to foster a sense of meaning and direction.

💡Team Building

Team building refers to activities designed to enhance interpersonal relationships, communication, and collaboration within a group. The video presents team building as a strategy for employees to strengthen their relationships and improve the overall positive organizational culture.

💡Well-being

Well-being encompasses the overall health and happiness of individuals, including their mental, emotional, and social states. The video emphasizes the role of a positive organizational culture in supporting the psychological health and well-being of employees, highlighting the importance of creating a workplace that promotes safety, respect, and satisfaction.

Highlights

Culture encompasses the differences in people’s beliefs, values, and shared expectations.

Workplaces have unique organizational cultures with distinct norms, meanings, values, and beliefs.

Employers within an organization have specific expectations of their workers, contributing to its culture.

Organizational culture influences how workers act and solve problems.

A positive organizational culture is characterized by psychological safety, trust, honesty, and respect.

In a positive culture, decisions are made fairly, and there is a sense of teamwork and shared goals.

Workers in a positive culture feel satisfied, experience high morale, and feel supported.

Community perception of a workplace as a good place to work contributes to a positive organizational culture.

Team-building activities can help foster a positive organizational culture.

Mentorship programs for emerging and experienced leaders can strengthen workplace culture.

Defining company beliefs, values, and purpose is crucial in establishing a positive organizational culture.

Outdoor activities and connecting with nature can enhance workplace culture.

Taking breaks and connecting with coworkers can contribute to a positive work environment.

Individual actions, even small ones, can make a difference in organizational culture.

Organizational culture is one of 13 factors supporting psychological health and safety in the workplace.

Resources like MentalHealthCommission.ca/NationalStandard provide information on workplace psychological health.

haveTHATtalk.ca offers additional resources for improving workplace culture.

The content was adapted with permission from Mindful Employer Canada and supported by Bell Let’s Talk.