Work Culture
Work culture is the sum total of an organization's values, beliefs, and principles, and it is influenced by a variety of factors including history, product, market, technology, and strategy, employee type, management style, and national culture. An organisation is formed to accomplish specific goals and objectives by bringing people together on a common platform and motivating them to perform at their highest level. It is critical for employees to enjoy themselves at work in order to develop a sense of loyalty to it.
Workplace culture is critical in bringing out the best in employees and keeping them with the company for a longer period of time. The organisation must provide a positive environment for employees so that they can focus on their work rather than interfering with one another's.
Workplace culture is a term that refers to the study of:
A. Employees' beliefs, thought processes, and attitudes.
B. The organization's ideologies and principles.
• The way employees interact with one another and how an organisation functions is determined by the work culture.
• Work culture, in layman's terms, refers to the employees' mentality, which influences the organization's atmosphere.
• When employees follow the company's rules and regulations and follow the established guidelines, the company is said to have a strong work culture.
• Employees in some organisations, on the other hand, are reluctant to follow instructions and are forced to work only according to strict procedures. Such businesses have a poor culture.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY WORK CULTURE
1. A positive work environment leads to happier employees and higher productivity.
2. Employees must treat one another with respect. Respect for one's co-worker is required. Backbiting is considered unprofessional and must be avoided in order to maintain a healthy workplace culture. Workplace conflicts and nasty politics provide no benefit.
3. Each employee should be treated as if he or she were a single person. Partiality results in demotivated employees and, as a result, an unhealthy work environment. Employees should be judged solely on the basis of their work. At work, personal relationships should take a backseat. Don't give someone special treatment just because he's a relative.
4. It's critical to recognise and reward top performers. Praise your employees and tell them that you expect good work from them all of the time. Give them a hug and a pat on the back. Make them feel as if they are indispensable to their company. Instead of criticising those who did not perform well, ask them to pull their socks up for the next time. Instead of firing them right away, give them another chance.
5. Encouraging workplace debates is a good idea. Employees must talk about problems amongst themselves in order to come to better conclusions. Everyone should be free to express their opinions. Team leaders and managers must communicate with their subordinates on a regular basis. Transparency is necessary at all levels for better employee relationships and a healthy workplace culture. Manipulation of data and data tampering are strictly prohibited in the workplace. Allow information to flow in the desired direction.
6. Employee-friendly policies and guidelines are required by the organisation. It's simply unrealistic to expect an employee to work until late on his birthday. Employees should benefit from the rules and regulations. Employees are expected to maintain the organization's decorum. At work, it's critical to maintain a high level of discipline.
7. In the current situation, the "Hitler approach" is inappropriate. Bosses should act as mentors to their subordinates. The team leaders should serve as role models for their subordinates. Superiors are expected to give employees a sense of direction and to guide them when necessary. The team members should be able to get to their boss's cabin quickly.
8. Encourage employees to participate in team building activities to strengthen their bonds. Conduct training programmes, workshops, seminars, and presentations to help employees improve their current skills. Prepare them for the difficult times ahead. They should be prepared in the event of unforeseen circumstances or a shift in the workplace culture.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN WORK CULTURES
• From one workplace to the next, a diverse work culture can be observed. In the working cultures of India and Western countries, there is a significant and discernible difference. As a cluster of developed nations, the western part of the world has a higher standard of living and an upgraded standard of living.
• We'll talk about the work cultures of both places without passing judgement on which is better, but we'll leave it up to you to decide which best practises can be implemented at your place of business.
• As a result, establishing and maintaining a work culture that encourages the organisation and its employees to strive for excellence is critical.
1. The Importance of Time
• Western countries have a perfect work-life balance. They are aware of the distinction between personal and professional life. They keep work separate from their personal lives and treat it as such.
• They are very conscientious about their work schedules. They follow the 8-hour shift's trend of arriving on time. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., are the usual working hours.
• Only a small percentage of people work late at night or overtime unless it is absolutely necessary. They are punctual in their arrival, departure, and return to their personal lives.
• In India, we are accustomed to arriving late to work and having to sneak into our offices and work until late at night to compensate. Work is, for the most part, our first priority.
• Priority should be given to our professional lives, but it should also be given to our personal lives. As a result, planning your work to achieve work-life balance is critical for a healthy lifestyle.
2. The Colleague Relationship
• In the Western world, whether it is with family or close friends, a professional relationship is not only expected but also maintained. The office culture is strictly professional; only when they leave the office is a casual atmosphere observed.
• We quickly become friends in India. As a result, there is a level of interaction that goes beyond professionalism. As a result, India has not yet achieved that level of professionalism.
• People tend to owe each other a great deal of favours. As a result, a very friendly environment is created. As a result, people are more at ease at work, which leads to increased productivity.
• It is easier to start a new relationship than it is to keep it going, so professional relationships should be handled with caution.
3. The Break Routine
• Breaks are generally shorter in western countries. A 30-minute lunch break is included, as well as a 15-minute tea/smoking break. Employees typically have beverages at their desks while checking emails, doing calculations, or proofreading documents. As a result, there is an increase in efficiency.
• A one-hour lunch break is mandatory in India. This long break allows for long walks around the grounds. A 15-20 minute tea/smoke break has also been added to this, providing a space for mini gatherings between all employees either inside or outside the office building. This culture has its own set of benefits. It creates a work environment that lifts everyone's spirits and lightens the competitive atmosphere.
• For better concentration at work, it is highly recommended to stretch or take a short walk every hour.
4. The Office Environment
• At offices in the west, health is regarded as a top priority. They believe that a positive work environment and proper mental health are essential for increased productivity.
• In the offices, psychological evaluations and group development activities are conducted on a regular basis.
• When it comes to subcontinental culture, India is catching up to the advancement of the office environment. Indian businesses place a premium on team-building exercises.
• Offices are rewarding their employees with yearly trips or fitness vouchers, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Creating a pleasant and productive work environment. This not only keeps the employee, but it also promotes the company through word of mouth.
• Employees are now encouraged in the workplace through various methods such as activity centres, children's areas, and motivational quotes, rather than through monetary incentives.
• These quotes on the cabin walls inspire the employees to work harder. The workplace's vision and mission are also displayed on the walls, encouraging employees to work in unison.
5. Hierarchy
• In Western countries, authority is rarely respected. A young person with the right knowledge can be promoted to the company's highest positions.
• The organization's environment will remain stable. Also, superiority will not be displayed, and everyone is expected to learn. This results in a much healthier working environment.
• In India, there has always been a hierarchy. Organizations, on the other hand, are now moving toward a more flat structure. There is no hierarchy here, which leads to increased efficiency. This creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Employees are also pleased because they are treated equally regardless of their position. Everyone works together in a dignified manner.
• Making each employee more self-assured within the organisation. Also, there are no feelings of inferiority or superiority toward anyone.



