Show, don't tell: Proving the importance of a strong and positive company culture
By Mark Ishikawa
What does a strong and positive company culture lead to?
Happier, more satisfied employees, because of emphasis on key needs like work-life balance and reasonable flexibility in their schedules.
A more positive working environment, because staff know they’re appreciated and valued.
Better results for a company and its clients, because team members enjoy what they do both individually and in collaboration with each other.
A full list of the advantages that come along with a strong company culture could stretch on and on. For now, let’s look at our core values at Allitix, what makes a positive culture so important, and how we continue to emphasize this vital attribute for everyone in our family.
What Allitix stands for
At our core, Allitx is committed to providing the best possible experience for all of our stakeholders. That commitment obviously includes our clients, but we make sure it extends to all of our team members as well.
One of our core goals is to pursue both joy and excellence across our organization. That means dedication to the task at hand and the growth of the company, but without sacrificing a friendly and collaborative work environment or the things that are so important outside the office. We enjoy our time together as a team when we aren’t focused on a specific project or deadline, too, building friendships and supporting each other not just as coworkers, but as people.
"Teamwork defines our culture,” said Rick Romeo, Allitix Director. “Everyone works together to help each other out and create the best possible product for the customer."
What makes a business stand out in a candidate-friendly job market?
Workers are in a very good position when it comes to the current job market.
In 2021, monthly job growth averaged 586,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The current unemployment rate of 5.2% is approaching the “natural rate of unemployment,” which Bloomberg said the Federal Reserve puts between 4.1% and 4.7%. This is the lowest level of unemployment which doesn’t fuel inflation, striking a key balance of factors for economists. More generally, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco said it’s more difficult for many employers to find staff than those businesses would like.
What does all of that have to do with prioritizing a positive company culture?
Even within specialized industries like consulting and with roles related to specific software solutions like Anaplan, there’s plenty of competition for candidates. While businesses in general, and those in the consulting field in particular, may be struggling to find qualified staff, Allitix is on pace to bring about 50 new family members on board by the end of the year.
By emphasizing our strong company culture, we make sure candidates can envision their role in it moving forward. More than anything else, we show them that Allitix is a place where they can grow and thrive.
“Working at Allitix is a breath of fresh air,” said Tori Hvizdak, our Marketing Manager. “Many companies say they put their employees first, but Allitix proves it. The company is growing quickly, but the small company feeling has not changed. Work hard and play hard!"
Show (and tell, as well)
It’s easy to speak in broad terms about company culture, work-life balance and the value of a supportive and engaged workforce where colleagues are more like family. So, let’s go a bit further with some key points that demonstrate our commitment to positive culture:
Touching back on our recent success in hiring: Based on feedback from our newest hires, we’re confident saying that about 90% choose to come on board specifically because of our culture.
Reviews from current and former employees on Glassdoor, 28 in all, are extremely positive. We have a perfect, five-star rating based on these assessments. We’re not only happy to share this achievement, but especially proud that so many who do and have worked here think so highly of us.
Career development and growth is a consistent point of emphasis. Mark Ishikawa, our CEO, speaks to each and every new candidate at the beginning of the interview process. He focuses on just three key considerations: What the candidate sees themselves doing at Allitix, what they want to do in their career and what type of company or environment they want to be a part of. If they could paint the ideal role for themselves, what would it be? What environment or culture do they want to be in? Even if their career won’t end with Allitix, we prepare our staff to prosper on their professional paths.
We prioritize flexible scheduling for all of the members of our company. That means allowing people to come in late or leave early when the need arises, as long as they’re on target with their duties. We’ve built a culture where asking for a shift in schedule is a comfortable and easy request. This kind of flexibility keeps our team members happy, which is valuable in its own right. It also keeps them engaged with their responsibilities at work.
Taking things a step further, we don’t need our staff members to be in a specific location at all times. Company leadership is fully on board with everything from working vacations to long-term travel on the part of our employees, as long as they can address their work responsibilities.
We’re always professional and buttoned-up when working with clients, but more relaxed outside of those times. Fun isn’t mandatory, but we do our best to encourage it at the right times.
Kim Fisher, our Higher Education Practice Director, said this about that balance, and our company culture in general: “For the first time in more than two decades of working in the technology industry, I have finally found a home with Allitix that brings balance back to my life! Engagements with our customers and team members fall into place between the other fluid parts of my work and personal life. This level of fluidity and fun are what every company should strive to create for their employees!”
Happy, engaged, together
At Allitix, we enable success for our clients and our work family — each and every stakeholder is especially important. You can find out more about joining our team here.
Want to learn how we can support your business? Get in touch today to speak with our team of experts.