As we celebrate Heritage Month, it’s a reminder that company culture – just like South Africa’s many cultures – is about recognising diversity, respecting traditions, and finding strength in what we share.

• Now’s the perfect time for business leaders to give their culture some love – and shape it for the way we work today.
• Think of your business as a car: strategy is your steering wheel – pointing you in the right direction.
• Skills are your engine – turning effort into progress. And culture? That’s the fuel in your tank – it’s your team’s energy, motivation, and “vasbyt” that keeps you going.
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Company culture is built on shared values. You can’t always see it, but you can feel it. It’s the vibe in the office, how people treat each other, how you deal with customers. A healthy culture helps with staff loyalty, attracting talent, and even boosting your reputation.

Can you change your company culture? Absolutely. Every business, whether a start-up or a large South African enterprise, has a workplace culture—whether leaders shape it intentionally or not. If you ignore it, you might end up with silos, cliques, or even a toxic vibe driven by one or two strong personalities. But if you take the time to design and nurture it, you’ll have a culture that supports both your people and your business.

For smaller businesses, culture is even more powerful. One bit of negativity can spread quickly – but the good news is that positive energy spreads just as fast. You don’t need ten layers of management to make a difference.

Does A Strong Culture Equal A Strong Business?

Management experts have been saying it for years: culture drives performance. Research shows that businesses with strong cultures perform better, and those with weak one’s struggle. In fact, more than 90% of business leaders say culture adds real value to a company.

So yes – building a great culture isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a business advantage and as we know a company’s culture is important, but how does it work for hybrid working?

Building A Strong Company Culture In A Hybrid Workplace

If you’re ready to give your culture a boost, here are some easy starting points:
1. Revisit your values. Make sure your mission and values are clear, simple, and lived out daily. Don’t just put them on a poster for your team to see in the office or emails for those on the move – show them in your actions as a leader.
2. Hire for culture fit. Skills matter, but so do values. Hiring people who believe in what you stand for keeps everyone on the same page. People who you can rely on when working remotely.
3. Listen differently. With hybrid work, you don’t always “bump into” people to check how they’re doing. Try quick pulse surveys or regular check-ins to really hear your team.
4. Add culture boosters for office days. Small touches can make a big difference:
o Music: A good playlist can lift the office mood.
o Layout: Rethink your office space – open, collaborative areas often beat old-school cubicles.
o Art & Creativity: Encourage ideas and innovation with colourful, dynamic spaces.

Building a strong, positive culture in a hybrid world is 100% doable – It just takes intention, a bit of creativity, and consistent effort. When leaders set the tone and involve their teams, culture becomes the thing that not only keeps people together but also pushes the business forward.

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