Culture exists anywhere there’s a group of people. Whether it’s a workplace, a sports club, or the swarm of Swifties swapping friendship bracelets at the Eras Tour, culture is how we connect. It’s the silent yet powerful way we signal to the world:
- Who we are.
- What we stand for.
- What we value.
Think about it. The things we choose to engage with—the podcasts we binge, the brands we buy from, the causes we support—all help us find our people. It’s how we say, “Hey, I belong here,” without uttering a word.
Take Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Tens of thousands of women (and a handful of begrudging partners) turned up in painstakingly recreated costumes, ready to swap beaded bracelets like currency. They weren’t just attending a concert—they were participating in a shared culture, one where friendship, fandom, and a sprinkle of glitter unite.
On the flip side, Collingwood AFL fans have their own hardcore bogan culture—loud, proud, and absolutely unwavering in their commitment. Love them or hate them, you know exactly what they stand for. (No offence intended Pies fans)
That’s the power of culture. It attracts like-minded people, repels those who don’t fit, and creates an unspoken bond between those who get it.
Culture in Business: Your Secret Weapon (or Your Biggest Risk)
Here’s where it gets interesting. Culture isn’t just a “nice to have.” In business, it’s a lever—something you can pull and adjust to influence outcomes. When you truly understand how culture impacts teams and business performance, you can use it to shape everything from talent attraction to customer experience.
And here’s the truth: Your culture is the average of your employees. Your people don’t rise to the level of your mission statement; they sink to the level of the culture you allow.
When your culture aligns with your brand, magic happens:
⭐ Talent attraction: You draw in candidates who believe in what you stand for. No more square pegs in round holes.
⭐ Employee engagement: Your team feels connected to a shared purpose, driving productivity and passion.
⭐ Stronger retention: People stick around because they’re not just employees; they’re part of something meaningful.
But here’s the kicker: Culture isn’t what you say it is. It’s what your employees experience every day. And your business results? They directly reflect your culture.
If leadership talks a big game about values but acts in a way that contradicts them, employees hear it, they see it, and they expose leadership for what they really stand for. Culture isn’t a polished mission statement—it’s the decisions made in boardrooms, the way managers treat their teams, and the small, seemingly insignificant interactions that shape everyday work life.
How to Build a Culture That Attracts Your People
A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s designed. Here’s how:
✅ Define your values: What does your organisation stand for? Be specific and real—none of this “we value excellence” fluff.
✅ Live your values: Culture isn’t a poster on the wall; it’s the lived experience of your employees. If your values don’t translate into action, they’re meaningless.
✅ Communicate boldly: Let the world know who you are. From job ads to onboarding, make sure your culture is crystal clear. If your workplace is high-energy, fast-paced, and all about innovation, say so. If it’s laid-back and collaborative, own it.
When your culture is clear, consistent, and compelling, it attracts people who align with your mission and values. These are the employees who will champion your brand, go above and beyond, and help your organisation thrive.
What Happens When You Ignore Culture?
Here’s the thing—culture will exist whether you shape it or not.
If you don’t take control of it, your culture will be a patchwork of individual behaviours, unchecked habits, and conflicting leadership messages. That’s when you end up with silos, high turnover, and employees who are just going through the motions.
The businesses that win? They’re the ones who take culture seriously. They design it. They invest in it. They protect it.
Because at the end of the day, your culture is not just about vibes—it’s about results. And whether you like it or not, your culture is already telling the world who you are.
The question is—do you like what it’s saying?
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