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Corporate culture means much more than just pizza parties and team building sessions.
What is corporate culture?
Corporate culture is the collection of values, beliefs, ethics and attitudes that characterise an organisation and guide its practices. The meaning of corporate culture encompasses the way people work, interact, and communicate within an organization, and can be an indicator for potential employees of what the working environment is like in a business.
Defining your corporate culture means blending your company values with your company goals in a way that benefits both employees and managers. Having a positive corporate culture in place, means that employees are comfortable, respectful and enthusiastic about their work.
Why is a positive corporate culture important for businesses?
Because corporate culture affects almost every area of a business, it’s no wonder that it’s such an important factor to get right. According to research by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a strong corporate culture is important to a business’s success. This research also found a strong correlation between employees who say they feel happy and valued at work and those who say their company has a strong workplace culture.
When your business has a great culture, it sets the baseline for the rest of your operations. Some of the benefits of a positive corporate culture include:
- Increased job satisfaction
- Higher rates of productivity
- Increased employee retention
- Reduced workplace stress
It’s clear how important corporate culture is – but how can a company begin to build their own? Here are ten important steps to building company culture.
1. Start with your core values
2. Think about your company's personality
3. Give meaning to the work you do
4. Focus on wellness and work-life balance
5. Hire the right people
6. Recognise and reward achievements
7. Encourage employee feedback and input
8. Keep diversity and inclusion at front of mind
9. Encourage a more social environment
10. Communicate your corporate culture
Even if your company has a fantastic workplace culture, it can be hindered if your employees aren’t aware of your efforts. Make sure you have a clear and consistent message about your core values, personality, and expectations, and communicate it effectively to your employees and customers. Your employees should be able to find information about your culture easily, with processes being as transparent as possible.
Remember that defining your corporate culture is an ongoing process. It requires continuous communication and commitment from all members of your team. But your company will reap the benefits of this work for years to come. Building a happy, respectful and encouraging work culture is one of the most effective ways to build strong business success.
For international teams, building a positive workplace culture can be even more challenging. Take a look at our tips for international HRMs on building strong workplace culture. Remember to keep company culture high on your priority list to ensure the retention and happiness of employees.
Corporate sales
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Allianz

At Allianz Partners, Health, our blog is crafted by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on global health and insurance topics. With a focus on expatriates, international businesses, and individuals navigating healthcare abroad, our authors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article.
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