Dive Brief:

• A new study by ExactHire, a software firm for tracking hiring, found that most HR managers believe their companies support a workplace culture that’s positive, but just 37% recently have updated or added programs supporting positive cultures. The respondents included 152 HR and business executives in 30 industries.
• The survey also revealed how organizations are funding and developing these programs. Most participants, 61%, said access to resources, such as money, time and tools, was “good” or “very good.” But respondents cited resources among their three top challenges, with 64% saying they struggle getting consistent employee participation, 48% saying they were unable to get support for positive culture-related programs and 48% saying they couldn’t generate fresh ideas for positive culture activities.
• Although the respondents rated employee feedback as the weakest influence on developing culture and leadership feedback the strongest, 47% of them believed that collaboration between the two groups would have the most success in developing a positive culture.

Dive Insight:

Inconsistencies in what survey respondents want and believe, and what actually occurs isn’t uncommon. Therefore, employers shouldn’t hold back on setting up programs they consider beneficial to employees and the workplace overall, like positive culture activities.

One way to create a positive culture is to ensure appreciation is part of all aspects of the company. Creating a work atmosphere that encourages belonging and friendship is key to retention overall.