Critical to a successful brand, a positive workplace culture reflects the alignment of company and employee values
By HEATHER BREIDENTHAL & LINDA MAMET
“To thine own self be true” was not written about mission statements or corporate social responsibility platforms, but Shakespeare’s line definitely applies to companies striving to create a positive workplace culture. A firm cannot expect to attract or retain smart, talented employees if its culture does not reflect strong values. Here are three important steps to creating a successful workplace culture:
1. Get Real
Companies spend so much time, effort, and money to attract skilled workers, but how many realize that their personnel will soon be evaluating them? If you aim to hire the best, you better be at your best. Employees can quickly sniff out inequities and know when managers only give lip service to company ideals.
People buy into a company’s mission or purpose when the culture is consistent with strong values. They buy into authenticity, a culture that is real and reliable. Demonstrating a passion for the company’s purpose and being fair to employees and responsive to their ideas and concerns are integral leadership traits that should be considered when managing a workforce.
Leadership and community are interrelated, and, as one of the largest public homebuilders in the United States, TRI Pointe Group knows quite a bit about both. A company’s workforce is its own community and there is nothing more important than cultivating that. TRI Pointe Group’s strong commitment to its internal team is a key differentiator as a leading homebuilding brand, essential to sustaining its position in the marketplace. It is also why the company was the winner of six “best workplace” awards in 2018.
2. Be Caring
Corporate social responsibility continues to become more and more of a consumer focus and priority. When a company cares about the environment and gives back to the local communities in which it does business, employees take notice.
Employees also pay careful attention to how their company is helping people just like them. For example, TRI Pointe Group’s Living- Smart® program, which efficiently integrates the design, development, construction, and operation of homes to provide healthier, more comfortable living environments with lower operating costs, shows that what is good for families, communities, and the planet can also be good for business. That demonstration of values goes well beyond the bottom line for an employee.
3. Break Down Walls
Team members respond favorably to access and opportunity, from open communication channels with executives to regular career development options. A culture that fosters continued growth, both personally and professionally, for all employees, is one that will be embraced. An individual who sees his or her professional path as limitless will be a productive contributor and will exude positivity to the surrounding team. A person in the proverbial box who sees the job as thankless and not aligned with his or her individual goals and development will not.
TRI Pointe Group combines the best of big and small across all of its divisions from coast to coast— so what does this mean for its employees? They benefit from the deep level of industry knowledge via its robust resources and strong industry relationships while also enjoying the community vibe, personal touch, and attention to detail.
TRI Pointe Group retains top talent by encouraging them to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and bring a stake-holding mentality
to work each day. The company organizes think tanks and workshops to boost collaboration and encourage innovation throughout its various business units, including design, construction, marketing, and customer care. It also offers a combination of social events and charitable projects to help create an environment where people want to be.
A strong focus on people and communities fuels company growth, boosts brand strength, and sustains culture. Employee ideas and
the resulting positive energy make all the difference. In fact, TRI Pointe Group sources 25 percent of its new team members through referrals from the existing team. When people feel valued and happy with their jobs, they are motivated to spread the word.
Employees respond to strong company values in action. A genuine work culture involves caring and inclusiveness and manifests itself in transparent communication, teambuilding, and eventually, a strong external brand. The saying goes that the most important part of a company is its people. For the right workplace culture, do not just say it — live it.
Heather Breidenthal is Chief Human Resources Officer at TRI Pointe Group (NYSE: TPH). She can be reached at Heather.Breidenthal@TriPointeGroup.com
Linda Mamet is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at TRI Pointe Group (NYSE: TPH). Please visit www.tripointegroup.com.
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