The Importance of Company Culture


An effective workplace is a reflection of a company’s culture, conveying its values to employees, clients, and partners. Every day, as people go to work, their organizations’ specific cultures directly influence their experience and whether they become engaged or inspired. Our research has shown that there are five distinct culture types. Each type has its own definitive goals, attributes, and requirements for establishing belonging.

Classic

The Classic culture is defined by a clearly structured hierarchy, a commitment to productivity, and a reliance on established systems. This culture prioritizes numbers-driven decision making, takes a risk-averse approach, emphasizes functional departments, and typically features a large workforce. This culture most often promotes working onsite only.


Productivity

Focus

Dedication

Process

Collective


The Collective culture places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and embraces a collaborative, flexible workstyle with roles that are adaptable. This culture embodies a “we’re all in this together” mindset, which is often found in younger start-up companies and small businesses. It is more flexible in its operations and assigns less to titles, as long as customers are content. This culture promotes hybrid working models.


Collaboration

Flexibility

Engagement

Interaction

Harmonizer


The Harmonizer culture thrives by operating in a team-based, responsive manner with a core focus on employee satisfaction. This culture prioritizes employee happiness, often through team-building and frequent team outings, opportunities for meaningful feedback, and the flexibility to accommodate work-life balance. This culture promotes hybrid working and remote work options.

Teamwork

Adaptability

Communication

Transparency

Trailblazer


The Trailblazer culture is characterized by its relentless pursuit of innovation and tech-savvy solutions. It is driven by a need for connectivity and thrives on pushing the envelope, requiring employees not just to keep up but to lead the way. This culture values risk-taking in an effort to remain on the cutting edge. Making work the top priority and often demanding long hours, organizations that embrace this culture are known for being leaders in their respective fields and consistently pushing the boundaries. This culture promotes hybrid working and remote work options.


Innovation

Connectivity

Transformation

Learning

Adaptor


The Adaptor culture excels in demonstrating perseverance and adaptability, effectively navigating changes in the market. This culture is known for its resilience and resourcefulness, often facing challenges like mergers and acquisitions. It may have variable sources of funding, such as advertisers, grants, or donations, making it adaptable in its financial strategies. This culture is most likely to have an all-remote team, with most working from home.

Performance

Resilience

Experimentation

Resourcefulness

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Understanding and tailoring connection strategies based on the specific attributes of a company culture helps to create a cohesive and engaged workforce, contributing to a stronger sense of belonging.


Let us help you understand your culture type and how to design for it so your employees and business can thrive.