Company culture is so much more than token gestures like pizza parties and sporadic team outings, instead, build a genuine and impactful workplace where people matter above all else. In this episode of McFarland Minutes, hosts Natalie and Scout are joined by Kevin McFarland, VP of Operations as they talk about what makes company culture truly tick.

Company culture, as Scout puts it, is often misunderstood as superficial perks like free pizza, office happy hour, and company swag, which simply is not what your employees want. True company culture stems from friendship, shared values, and effective communication. At McFarland Productions, the focus is on forming genuine connections that transcend the workplace. Natalie emphasizes that spending significant time working towards shared goals naturally necessitates a foundation of mutual respect and camaraderie.

How to Create Good Company Culture:

Create unique traditions that promote team bonding and reflect its core values. One example of how McFarland Productions builds company culture is our annual river float. While we float the river, we’re able to build friendships with our coworkers, employers, bosses, supervisors, etc. These gatherings go beyond team-building exercises by encouraging real connections among team members.
Create simple but meaningful gestures. McFarland Productions added “Birthday Day Off” to allow employees to celebrate their birthday without the obligation of work. This policy not only underscores their commitment to employee wellbeing but also their people.
Company Buy-In. On the operational side, strategy meetings at McFarland Productions offer a look into the collaborative ethos. These meetings are platforms for everyone in the company to voice their ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue about the direction in which they are headed. These sessions serve as opportunities for understanding and collaboration, bridging gaps between remote teams and creating a shared vision for the company’s future.

Why Build Good Company Culture?

Internal culture extends beyond your internal team. Company culture influences your client interactions as well. A positive internal culture naturally spills over to your client relationships, which can help increase customer loyalty and satisfaction. When employees are happy and engaged, they bring that same energy and integrity into their interactions with clients to create strong partnerships and long-term client retention.

By consciously choosing to create a culture based on respect, understanding, and continuous improvement, you can establish an outstanding workplace where people first is more than a motto.

Good company culture equals good employees, clients, and ultimately, a good life. Think of it more than a policy or perk and create a people-first environment to enhance both professional and personal growth within your employees. We invite you to rethink how you approach your workplace culture and challenge you to put people first, internally and externally. This episode serves as an open invitation to learn, share, and implement these principles. By prioritizing people, we can transform office culture into one that is rewarding and sustainable. Whether you’re looking to enhance your company’s internal dynamics or improve client relations, adopting a people-first approach can revolutionize your corporate environment.