Protecting and supporting employee wellbeing and mental health is key to encouraging improvements in productivity, but despite recommendations made by wide-ranging reports, there are still concerns in this area.
From incongruous performance expectations to reorganizing responsibilities in group tasks, few are free of work-related pressures. People working in companies that have a positive corporate culture produce quality work and make good decisions without constant oversight, learning from each other without undue risk.
Each company has an authentic history and a compelling, long-term vision, and its culture should be true to both. The multifaceted nature of work culture is what makes it so elusive – it’s a complex web of values, behaviors, and shared beliefs that can vary within the organization. The shared mindset is altered by explicit rules, such as an employee handbook, or standards formally reported by the manager. Good company culture doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders are in charge of living and enforcing the organization’s values, ideals, and policies.
Work Culture Is The Secret Ingredient That Sets Apple Apart From Its Rivals
Apple has launched flagship products, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, often perceived as reliable, well-built, and of high quality. On August 2nd, 2018, it made history by becoming the first publicly traded company to be valued at $1 trillion, leaving rivals in the competitive technology sector behind. Apple’s story isn’t only about innovation in hardware, software, and services. Its commitment to functional organization makes it so successful, but it’s important to note that mindlessly copying Apple’s approach might not be the best strategy.
To Generate New Ideas, Apple Relies On A Structure That Hinges On Functional Expertise
Those with vast knowledge and experience in a given area have decision rights for that area because relying on highly skilled professionals rather than on general managers is an essential element for building a foundation for success. For example, the finance team isn’t involved in the product road map, for which engineering teams are responsible, and engineering teams aren’t involved in pricing decisions. This doesn’t mean people aren’t allowed to express their opinions frankly and openly. Leaders inevitably change their minds when presented with evidence that others’ opinions are better.
Projects often have tight deadlines, so it’s vital to allocate resources properly and set realistic, manageable goals. Apple’s top priority is ending excessive overtime, so timesheet records are kept to ensure compliance; what is mainly seen as a necessary evil can lead to burnout and high turnover rates. Time-tracking software helps the staffing team record billable hours. Apple uses its homepage and social media accounts to recruit graduates, whereas others use recruitment agencies to hire employees. The version for recruitment companies is a specialized time-tracking software tailored to meet distinct needs.
Managers face an arduous learning curve when acquiring a new skill. Provided an activity remains in the learning box, leaders must adopt the mantle of “beginner”, replacing the desire to have the answers with an eagerness to learn and an openness to new ways of thinking and doing. Nevertheless, they must decide what activities demand their full attention to detail because those create the most value for Apple; those that can be performed with a minimum of conscious attention can be pushed down to others.
Apple Builds An Environment Where People Are Genuinely Glad To Be There
Most people see it as liberating, even exhilarating, to work for Apple, the crème de la crème of tech companies. There’s always pressure to be at the top of your game, but describing Apple as a stressful place to work would be a gross exaggeration, meaning the pros outweigh the cons. The manufacturer of computers and consumer electronics maintains a positive work culture across all business units, therefore winning over elite talent willing to buy in to changes. To be sure, this culture generates billions of dollars in real value for shareholders.
Jobs pay between $83,000 and $194,000 a year, efforts are made to retain older workers, and there are many commuter options (e.g., shuttle buses). Apple may not offer the same perks as Google or Meta, but there’s time to catch up. Free food and beverages are offered as part of employee benefits, notably at major locations like Apple Park, and on special occasions, Halloween or Black History Month, parties are organized to create a sense of belonging. Apple’s commitment to quality isn’t a checkbox but a conscious effort to create an environment where every person is heard, seen, and respected.
Your Company Will Be Much More Profitable With A Winning Culture
Culture should be regarded as the most important value in an organization, as it drives business success and establishes a relationship with all stakeholders, including government and regulatory bodies. Your company makes a strong promise to its customers, whether it’s a commitment to quality or a standard of service, and should you fail, it’s because employees feel disconnected from your mission, treating work like a gig job. When hiring, clearly describe the culture to every candidate. This way, they can make an informed decision about whether to move forward or look elsewhere.
The elements of work culture that matter the most are:
- Leadership & communication: Leaders must accommodate employees’ needs, offer encouragement, and back them up if anything bad happens. Actions always speak louder than words.
- Human capital: Selection and onboarding programs should identify unique types of people and talents who bring the company to life. Each person has a singular set of capabilities. Of course, the degree of choice isn’t limitless.
- Work teams & structures: Flexibility allows teams to adapt to new opportunities and issues, so be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. You need some way to keep everyone on the same page. Collaboration technology can help people take control of their work.
- Performance management: Cultivate a work environment that sustains a culture of superior performance. Timely feedback helps clarify expectations and provides employees with the chance to work towards better behaviors.
Concluding Remarks
Apple draws in people with excellent salaries and compelling perks and benefits, but what truly makes it stand out and helps foster loyalty is company culture. If you believe that a particular aspect of your organization requires improvement, feedback from your employees is invaluable; don’t be afraid to ask.
