A culture champion is someone who actively promotes and supports a positive company culture. They are passionate about creating a workplace environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and employee well-being.
This person may hold an official title, such as Chief Culture Officer or Head of Employee Experience, or they may simply be someone within the organization who embodies company core values and loves their work.
Traits of an Effective Culture Champion
So what makes someone a great culture champion? Here are some key traits that set them apart:
- Passion: A true culture champion is passionate about creating a positive work environment and genuinely cares about the well-being of employees.
- Empathy: They have the ability to understand and empathize with different perspectives, making them effective advocates for employees.
- Communication skills: A culture champion is an excellent communicator, able to effectively convey the importance of company culture to both employees and leadership.
- Collaboration: They are skilled at working with others, including cross-functional teams and leadership, to create a cohesive and inclusive culture.
How You Can Be a Culture Champion
1. Lead by Example
Demonstrate your commitment to company values by consistently embodying them in your own actions and behaviors. Whether it’s through punctuality, ethical decision-making, or collaboration, your leadership sets the standard for others to follow.
2. Listen to Employees
Create an environment that encourages open and honest communication by actively listening to employee feedback and addressing their concerns. This approach fosters trust and helps you gain valuable insights into the team’s dynamics and needs.
3. Share Success Stories
Celebrate and highlight moments when employees exemplify company values or make significant contributions to the workplace culture. Sharing these stories not only boosts morale but also reinforces the behaviors and attitudes you wish to see in the organization.
4. Support Diversity and Inclusion
Be an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in hiring practices and daily interactions within the organization. Implement policies and practices that promote equality, ensuring that every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their background.
5. Continuously Learn
Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices that contribute to a positive workplace culture. Engage in professional development opportunities and be open to learning from colleagues and industry experts. This commitment to learning helps the organization adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
What is a Director of Happiness?
Sometimes, having one person to be your official culture champion can pay huge dividends. At Build Then Bless, we call this person The Director of Happiness. The title might sound whimsical, but this role holds significant responsibilities in shaping workplace culture. A Director of Happiness focuses on creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
This role is designed for someone who knows and understands the employees. They are responsible for fostering a positive company culture, promoting employee well-being, and ensuring that the workplace remains a happy place. A Director of Happiness shows employees how much they are appreciated through simple gifts:
- Anniversary Gifts: A personal gift to commemorate the employee’s time with the company
- Holiday Gifts: A thoughtful present during the holiday season
- Appreciation Gifts: A token of gratitude for a job well done
These gifts may seem small, but they can have a big impact on employee morale.
At BTB, we help businesses implement the Director of Happiness system when they sign up with us. Our comprehensive approach ensures that companies can create a thriving workplace culture by integrating strategies tailored to their unique needs.
Why We Need Culture Champions
The term ‘rat race’ is thrown around a lot when describing the modern workforce. We seem to be sprinting from one task to the next, trying to keep up with deadlines and demands. But in this fast-paced world, company culture can easily fall by the wayside.
Jobs can become tiresome and depressing, and productivity can fail. Here are a few reasons why having culture champions is so important:
- Employee retention: Culture champions help create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, reducing turnover rates.
- Increased productivity: When employees are happier and more engaged in their work, they are more likely to be productive and motivated.
- Positive reputation: A strong company culture can attract top talent and leave a positive impression on clients/customers.
Let’s All Be Culture Champions
Changing company culture isn’t easy, but it can be a lot simpler with Build Then Bless. Together, we can create a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace for all. Learn more about what implementing this software can do for your organization.
So let’s all strive to be a—insert name of your own company’s culture champion here—and work towards creating a fantastic workplace for ourselves and our colleagues!
