How to develop organisational culture in a start-up

"To build a strong culture, you need to start with why."

In the world of start-ups, where creativity and adaptability reign supreme, having a strong organisational culture is like having a secret ingredient for success.

It's not just about what the company does, but how it does it.

Organisational culture is like the soul of a start-up. It's what sets the tone for how things are done, how people interact and ultimately, how successful the company becomes.

While it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle of building products and chasing growth, neglecting culture can be a costly mistake. It's not just about having a ping-pong table in the office or free snacks, it's about creating an environment where people feel valued, motivated and aligned with the company's mission.

So, how can start-ups go about building a culture that not only reflects their vision but also drives them towards their goals?

Let's break it down.

Understanding the organisational culture

Organisational culture is the vibe, the ethos and the personality of a company.

It's made up of the shared values, beliefs and behaviours that shape how things get done. Whether it's a commitment to innovation, a focus on customer satisfaction or a dedication to inclusivity, culture permeates every aspect of the organisation, from the way decisions are made to the way employees collaborate.

Crafting a culture: Step-by-step guide

1. Uncover the distinctiveness

Every start-up has something that makes it unique— a vision, a mission, a way of doing things. Start by digging deep to uncover what sets your company apart.

This could be your innovative technology, your disruptive business model or even the personalities of your founding team. Understanding your distinctiveness is the first step towards shaping your culture.

2. Define core values

Once you've identified what makes your start-up special, it's time to articulate your core values.

These are the principles that guide your company's behaviour and decision-making. Whether it's a commitment to transparency, a focus on teamwork or a passion for excellence, your core values should reflect what you stand for as a company.

3. Articulate and communicate

Having core values is one thing, living them is another. Make sure your values are not just words on a page but deeply embedded in your company's DNA.

Communicate them early and often and ensure every member of your team understands what they mean and why they matter.

4. Recruit for cultural fit

Your culture is only as strong as the people who bring it to life. When hiring new employees, look for not just the right skills and experience but also the right cultural fit.

Ask yourself whether this person shares your values, whether they'll contribute positively to your culture and whether they'll help reinforce it for others.

5. Implement training and recognition

Building a strong culture is an ongoing process that requires effort from everyone in the organisation. Implement training programmes to help employees understand and embody your core values and recognise and reward those who exemplify them in their work.

6. Lead by example

As a start-up founder or leader, you set the tone for your company's culture. Lead by example by demonstrating your commitment to your core values in everything you do. Your actions will speak louder than words and will help reinforce the kind of culture you want to build.

7. Measure and iterate

Building a strong culture is not a one-and-done deal, it's an ongoing journey that requires constant attention and effort.

Measure your progress regularly, solicit feedback from your team and be willing to make adjustments as needed. Your culture will evolve over time and that's okay — as long as it continues to reflect your company's vision and values.

Watch this webinar to spot five dysfunctional behaviours of a team and how to avoid them:

Innovative practices to elevate organisational culture

In addition to these foundational steps, there are also some innovative practices that start-ups can adopt to take their culture to the next level:

1. Embrace remote work

In today's digital age, remote work is becoming increasingly common. Embracing remote work not only expands your talent pool but also promotes flexibility and work-life balance, which are important aspects of a positive culture.

2. Foster diversity and inclusion

Building a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, it's also good for business. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to better decision-making and innovation.

3. Encourage work-life balance

Start-ups are notorious for their long hours and high-pressure environments, but it's important to prioritise work-life balance for your team members. Encourage employees to take time off when they need it and lead by example by taking care of your own wellbeing.

4. Invest in professional development

Providing opportunities for professional development shows your employees that you value their growth and development. Whether it's through training programmes, mentorship opportunities or tuition reimbursement, investing in your team's development can help boost morale and engagement.

5. Promote transparency

Transparency builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging among your team members. Keep your employees informed about company goals, strategies and performance metrics and encourage open communication at all levels of the organisation.

6. Celebrate successes

Take the time to celebrate your team's achievements, big and small. Whether it's hitting a major milestone, landing a new client or launching a successful product, celebrating successes helps boost morale and reinforce a positive culture.

In conclusion

Building a strong organisational culture is not easy, but it's worth the effort. By understanding the essence of culture, defining core values, and implementing innovative practices, start-ups can create a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated and empowered to do their best work.

And in the fast-paced world of start-ups, having a strong culture can be the difference between success and failure.

Relevant resources

• How to be a more inclusive business

• Lunch and Learn: How to build an inclusive community and business

• Lunch and Learn: Manage your time to create a better work-life balance