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How COVID-19 Has Changed Organizational Culture

The “new normal” that has been facilitated by COVID-19 has not only caused our personal lives to turn upside down, but our business lives as well.

During the pandemic, countless employees and leaders had to embrace new skills, develop new behaviours, and adjust business practices to help their organizations remain competitive. But now that we’re recovering from the pandemic, how have these shifts changed the way our organizations run?

From relying on technology to support hybrid work to implementing new organizational strategies, the COVID-19 pandemic may have been the push specific organizations needed to operate more efficiently. Having the world turn upside down made many leaders realize what old practices must be left behind in order to move forward.

One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen has been the focus on implementing the organizational culture. Many businesses have managed to use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for change, but how can you ensure you’re changing for the better?

Keep reading this article to learn more about the importance of organizational culture, what you can do as a leader to facilitate positive changes, and how you can get support in leading your organization to be as effective as possible.

Organizational Culture Is More Important than Ever

We’ve all been affected by the pandemic. While many businesses have had a tough time, some managed to take it as an opportunity to revisit their business practices and make positive changes.

Introducing remote work made many organizations realize just how vital a role strong organizational culture played in their success–which may not have been evident before the pandemic uprooted usual business.  

Now more than ever, organizational culture should be seen as the glue that holds your organization together, leading it to success. Leaders at every level need to consider if they are working hard enough to instill culture, what parts of their culture they want to retain, and which they need to adjust to moving forward.

7 Reasons Why Organizational Culture is Important

organizational culture is an integral part of any business. By building a strong culture, businesses can provide direction, guide decisions and actions, increase employee buy-in, and much more.

Here are the top reasons why it’s imperative to focus on building a strong culture:

  • It defines your company’s identity
  • It helps instill your company’s core values
  • A strong culture assists with onboarding new hires & clients
  • Your culture can transform employees into advocates
  • A strong organizational culture helps you retain your best people
  • Your culture can transform your company into a team
  • Culture can increase performance & employee wellbeing

Let Go of the Old & Make the Most of the Future

As a leader, effective organizational culture is something you have to work hard to achieve. With the immense change we’ve seen in how organizations run post-pandemic, now is the time to let go of the old and reinvent how you do things within every level of your organization to make the most of the future!

As a leader, here are the key things your organization needs from you to keep up with the ever-changing world:

  • Imagination—The bravery to experiment and learn. To engage in activities that take you out of your comfort zone.
  • Humility—Knowing that your current design will eventually start showing diminishing returns too. Be kind to your ego.
  • Balance—At times, you will have to focus on creating value, exploiting the current resources, and saying goodbye to the old. Wearing three hats requires perspective and care.
  • Love—Bring kindness and compassion to lead others through difficult times. Show patience and succor to the principles, people, processes, and partnerships that have nourished you until today.
  • Dedication—You will need commitment and strength to sing your song. It will require all of you.

Get Help Transforming Your Organization

Now that you know how crucial a strong culture is to your organization, you may wonder what your next steps are.

Our team at Adocera is here to help lead you through organizational transformation, from beginning to end.

In our workshops, you can find out what aspects of your organization are working, and what you need to leave behind to move forward. Culture is more important than you think, so don’t let another second go to waste! Visit our website to learn more about us, or get in touch with us anytime.