A recipe for brewing magic

Have you ever felt a remarkable synergy between employer and employees that makes everything click? It might seem like an illusion—even magic. But it’s real. And it’s explainable, just like magic is. It happens when leaders genuinely consider their employees’ needs while also meeting business goals.

Companies that pull this off have strategically aligned the undeniable need for profitability with the goal of attracting and retaining top talent who are performing at their peak—and with enthusiasm. Any organization can learn the recipe for creating magic with their company culture by studying those who’ve brewed this balance elsewhere.

A tenet of cultural magic says business needs and employee needs should go together for the betterment of all. Although these needs go hand in hand most of the time, they often don’t gel at first. And the result is an imbalance that hurts workplace culture. Rightsizing employee needs alongside business objectives takes persistence and a change in attitude—a situation where perspective plays a huge role.

During challenging times, for example, organizations might feel the pressure to lay off staff. While this is often necessary from a financial standpoint, the focus solely on cutting costs hurts the employer culture in the long run and is counterintuitive to business goals. Thinking of humans primarily as a capital cost to contain is a flawed, incomplete view of people and the value they bring to an organization.

Most roles today, especially in professional settings, exist to create future value. Employees need the breathing space to produce it. For their potential contributions to be realized, organizations must view their people holistically, instead.

As much as cultural magic is a collection of specific ingredients, the brew is an absence of old ingredients, too—a dispensing of conventional attitudes and outlooks that have little place in business today.

Balancing the pendulum

HR leaders will tell you that their role often operates like a pendulum—a relationship between employers’ and employees’ seemingly competing priorities in business at any given time. Cultural magic is that ideal position of the pendulum where employers and employees both see their perspectives appropriately represented. When the pendulum is centered, employer culture thrives. It’s a state that also tends to attract and keep top talent who drive future growth.

The ingredients to crafting the right company culture

A positive employee experience is always the primary foundation of cultural magic, as well as its most noticeable expression. A good employee experience comprises many ingredients, which just so happen to be the ingredients to brew cultural magic.

• Develop a clear, unified mission: It might sound cliché, but a strong mission statement, when crafted right, connects employees to a purpose beyond daily tasks. This engagement boosts morale and drives a sense of ownership in the company’s success.
• Foster trust through transparency and communication: Trust is the foundation of any great company culture. By keeping employees in the loop and explaining decisions, employers can build that trust. Regular updates, Q&A sessions and town halls create an environment where employees feel heard.
• Encourage growth and development: Employees want to feel that their company is invested in them. Creating a learning culture pays off in innovation and loyalty. Seven out of 10 employees believe that job-related learning strengthens their bond with the company.
• Recognize and appreciate achievement: Acknowledging employees’ contributions goes a long way. Whether through formal recognition programs or simple shout-outs, showing appreciation keeps morale high and fosters loyalty.
• Promote work/life balance: In today’s work environment, where burnout and job mobility are on the rise, supporting work/life balance is crucial. Offering flexible schedules and remote work options can boost productivity and wellbeing.
• Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): A commitment to DEI is key to creating a sense of belonging in the workplace. Embracing diverse perspectives and making them visible in decisions on hiring and promotion shows that the company values everyone.
• Lead with vision: Great cultures stem from strong leadership. Leaders set the tone for the entire organization, and when they inspire and support their teams, cultural magic follows.
• Support employee wellbeing: Supporting the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of employees shows that a company truly cares. Offering mental health resources, wellness days and financial planning support makes employees feel valued.

Brewing cultural magic to taste

Never underestimate the importance of communicating your culture to the workforce. Even what might feel like the most minute points—like a company’s attitude toward coffee breaks—benefit from attention and communication.

A positive company culture—where innovation, loyalty and productivity thrive—is an organization’s greatest asset; a cultural magic brewed to taste. While culture can feel spontaneous, it’s actually the result of deliberate, strategic actions. With practice and dedication, companies can create a collaborative, engaging and rewarding environment that benefits everyone.