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Fostering Company Culture and Employee Engagement
Creating a vibrant and enduring company culture is crucial in today’s fast-paced business world. Candace Bruder, the founder of Pure Sweat Studios, exemplifies this in this week’s episode of America Back to Work, where she shares insightful strategies on building purpose-driven teams and retaining top talent.
Her journey from PR to pioneering a wellness community provides a rich backdrop for HR professionals seeking to enhance their organization’s culture and effectiveness in hiring and retention.
Aligning Vision with Action
Candace emphasizes aligning company values with every action, from hiring practices to daily operations. “I’ve come to learn and understand that you have to have a very strong foundation and clarity about your purpose, your brand values and for all, for those to be very clearly articulated and included within everything we do,” she says.
This approach ensures that every team member is not just performing a role but is engaged in a mission that resonates deeply with their personal values and the company’s objectives.
Inculcating Brand Values
Brand values are not just words on a page but are integral to the operational strategy, says Candace. She integrates these values into every facet of the business, ensuring they resonate through all levels of interaction, from customer service to internal communications.
She illustrates this integration by linking routine tasks, such as cleaning, to broader company goals, “Even cleaning, for example, I’ll always circle that back to one of our mantras, which is a clean environment is a calm environment.”
Company Culture In Recruitment
Recruiting the right talent is more than assessing skills; it’s about finding a cultural fit. Candace shares an effective strategy during interviews to determine if potential employees resonate with her business’s core values.
She listens for cues in their language and assesses their enthusiasm for service, which is central to her business model. “I’m looking for a flicker in their eyes. They could have experience in restaurants… It doesn’t necessarily have to be the fitness or wellness industry.”
Fostering a Supportive Environment
Maintaining a healthy culture is critical, and Candace actively fosters well-being within her team by aligning their personal growth with the company’s goals. She asks about their ‘why’—their personal motivations for working in the wellness industry—and aligns their aspirations with the company’s objectives. This alignment helps in building a committed and satisfied team.
Dynamic and Inclusive Leadership
Candace’s approach to leadership is dynamic and inclusive. She encourages feedback and ideas from all team members, regardless of their role. This approach empowers employees and fosters a sense of ownership and loyalty to the company.
She notes, “We are a young, progressive, nimble company. All ideas are welcome. You are a voice at the table.”
Fostering Company Culture and Employee Engagement
These strategies serve as a compelling blueprint for HR professionals aiming to build a thriving company culture. By aligning business operations with clear, purpose-driven values, focusing on cultural fit in hiring, and fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, companies can enhance their ability to attract, hire, and retain the best talent.
These practices enhance operational effectiveness and create a fulfilling work environment, driving employee satisfaction and business success.