How Do You Improve Company Culture: 10 Proven Strategies
Have you ever loved your job on paper, but just didn’t vibe with the company culture? Many employees can check all the boxes — great title, strong pay, flexible schedule — and still feel disconnected or unmotivated. That’s because company culture isn’t just a mission statement or perks; it’s the everyday environment, interactions, and shared values that shape how people experience work.
In this post, you’ll discover 10 practical, proven strategies to strengthen culture, build connections, and create a workplace where people actually want to show up.
What Does a Healthy Company Culture Actually Look Like?
The Core Pillars of Positive Culture
A strong company culture rests on 3 foundational pillars:
- Behavior: Leaders and employees consistently model the values the company claims to hold.
- Belonging: People feel included, respected, and connected to a community.
- Well-being: Employees are supported mentally, physically, and emotionally, enabling them to perform at their best.
Signs Your Company Culture Needs Improvement
Unhealthy cultures have early warning signs. Some of the most common include:
- Unfair treatment or discrimination
- Exclusionary behavior or cliques
- Lack of workplace trust and support among team members
- Excessive workload and unrealistic expectations
- Poor communication and lack of transparency
- High levels of stress and burnout
- High employee turnover
- Lack of pride in work
Why HR Plays a Central Role in Culture-Shaping
HR teams influence everything from onboarding to manager development to recognition. They sit at the intersection of employee experience and business strategy. That means the policies they roll out and the programs they support directly shape how people feel at work.
Why Improving Company Culture Matters More Than Ever
The Cost of Poor Company Culture
A weak company culture can be expensive. It fuels turnover, drives burnout, and drains engagement. When individuals feel disengaged, productivity inevitably plummets, directly impacting both performance and long-term employee retention.
Culture as a Business Driver
On the contrary, a healthy culture is a competitive advantage. It boosts productivity, attracts talent, and strengthens the company’s reputation. Organizations that prioritize and cultivate strong cultures consistently outperform their peers, creating a workplace where people genuinely thrive and are eager to contribute their best.
How Do You Improve Company Culture? The 10 Most Effective Strategies
#1 Start With Listening: Build a Continuous Feedback Loop
Use surveys, stay interviews, monthly check-ins, and open feedback channels to hear what employees truly need. HR can turn this input into clear action plans, targeted improvements, and leadership insights. Listening is often the first small step that creates the biggest impact.
#2 Train Managers to Build Psychological Safety
Managers shape culture more than any policy. Equip them with coaching on communication, empathy, and effective performance conversations. When employees feel safe speaking up, trust and innovation follow.
#3 Define and Reinforce Behavioral Values Employees Can See
Values mean little if they only exist as posters on the wall. Real culture is created when values show up in daily decisions, hiring practices, performance reviews, and recognition moments. Employees need to see behavioral changes being made from the top to reinforce a positive culture.
#4 Improve Onboarding to Start Culture Strong
Exceptional onboarding is crucial for establishing clarity, building confidence, and sparking immediate connection. HR can expertly standardize core elements while thoughtfully personalizing the experience to resonate with each unique role and team, setting a positive tone for their entire journey. Alleviate first-day anxieties by:
- Providing comprehensive support and essential information before the start date
- Create a welcoming first impression with a thorough office tour
- Actively encourage questions
- Facilitate meaningful connections with team members
- Don’t forget the practicalities like showing new hires where the restrooms are
#5 Meaningful Recognition Programs
Recognition should be timely, genuine, and aligned with company values. Celebrate wins, big or small, with a weekly company-wide shoutout email. Employee recognition rewards (gift cards, care packages, or experiences) can encourage employees to go above and beyond by acknowledging their hard work. Peer recognition helps people feel seen and connected, and fair recognition makes sure everyone’s efforts are valued in ways that work for them.
#6 Support Employee Well-Being Beyond Perks
Improving culture means supporting employees as whole people. That includes mental health support, flexibility, and workload assessments. Strong well-being initiatives reduce burnout and increase morale.
#7 Strengthen Cross-Team Connection and Collaboration
When teams connect regularly, a sense of belonging develops. Plan quarterly employee lunches or gatherings to encourage connection and collaboration across all departments. Team-specific rituals, shared meetings, social opportunities, and intentional participation reduce silos, especially in hybrid or onsite settings.
#8 Build Development Pathways That Show Employees a Future
People stay where they can not only picture a future, but are given the tools to move forward.. Offer clear career mobility, upskilling opportunities, mentorship, and transparent progression frameworks so employees can see a future inside the organization.
#9 Promote Work-Life Boundaries and Sustainable Workloads
Great culture encourages a rich life outside of work, because leaders know their employees perform better when they feel fulfilled. Set norms around emails, response times, and meetings. HR can guide leaders toward healthier work habits that set the tone for the entire company.
#10 Measure Culture With the Right Metrics (and Adjust Regularly)
Use engagement scores, turnover trends, and manager effectiveness data to track culture health. Set quarterly culture KPIs and refine initiatives based on what the data reveals.
How HR and Engagement Teams Can Lead Culture Transformation
Gaining Leadership Buy-In Through Data
Leaders listen when the numbers speak. HR can use engagement data, turnover costs, and productivity insights to demonstrate why culture deserves sustained investment.
Culture Workshops and Manager Training
Workshops help reset expectations, build alignment, and give managers hands-on tools to lead with empathy and clarity. Set managers up for success by providing valuable training opportunities that put their teams’ best interests at the center.
Building an Internal Communications Plan That Reinforces Culture
Consistent, strategic messaging is vital for reinforcing desired behaviors and values. HR and communications teams should collaborate to share inspiring updates and celebrate achievements, ensuring that a positive culture remains front and center.
Strive Wellness Programs Help Improve Company Culture
Great company culture starts with well-being. When employees feel supported, connected, and energized, morale rises, stress drops, and teams work better together. Strive’s wellness programs — whether it’s mental health support, team fitness, or interactive workshops — help bring people together, strengthen relationships, and build a positive culture that everyone can feel.
Onsite Chair Massage
Onsite Chair Massage
Yoga Classes
Onsite & Virtual Yoga Classes
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction