Why Culture Drives Business Success
Research from McKinsey emphasise that organisations with strong, positive cultures see up to 20% higher employee engagement and 25% better financial performance. Similarly, Deloitte highlights that businesses prioritising wellbeing and inclusion report greater retention rates, improved productivity, and enhanced brand loyalty. For emerging generations like Gen Z and younger Millennials, values such as purpose, belonging, and ethical leadership are key factors in choosing employers.
“Organisations that prioritise culture are no longer just employers; they become destinations where talent thrives,” notes Rachel Thomas, CEO of LeanIn.org. “The result is not only a better employee experience but a stronger brand value and competitive edge.”
The Societal Shift Shaping New Expectations
Societal expectations have fundamentally shifted. Many young professionals have grown up in environments where discussions around mental health, diversity, and equity are more open than ever before. They expect workplaces to mirror these values—not simply pay lip service to them.
A report from PwC reveals that 88% of Millennials and Gen Z employees seek employers whose values align with their own. They want to see authentic commitments to diversity and inclusion backed by transparent action. They also demand environments that prioritise holistic wellbeing, from flexible working conditions to mental health support.
Building a Culture of Care: Holistic Wellbeing and Diversity
At its core, positive workplace culture stems from leadership that recognises employees as whole individuals, not just resources. This means offering pastoral care and wellness support that empowers employees to bring their best selves to work.
- Employee Wellbeing: Companies must go beyond physical health perks to address emotional, mental, and financial wellbeing. Tailored wellness programmes that integrate mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management yield tangible benefits. When employees feel supported, their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and job satisfaction flourish.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Inclusive cultures are proven to drive innovation. Teams that reflect diverse perspectives create products and services that better meet customer needs. However, inclusion must be intentional—it requires challenging unconscious biases, championing diverse hiring practices, and creating spaces for all voices to be heard and respected.
Kumud Gandhi, co-founder of Your Work Wellness, observes: “Organisations that genuinely care for their employees’ wellbeing—and invest in creating inclusivity—find that their efforts extend beyond the workplace. They become brands that people trust, respect, and want to work with.”
The Business Case for Culture Transformation
Beyond employee satisfaction, creating a positive workplace culture can directly impact the bottom line. Companies known for their positive workplace culture have been found to outperform their competitors by up to 20% in terms of revenue growth, according to a Harvard Business Review study.
A healthier, more inclusive culture reduces turnover rates—saving significant recruitment and onboarding costs—and enhances brand reputation. In a highly competitive marketplace, being seen as “the employer of choice” can determine an organisation’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
Practical Steps to Cultural Transformation
- Lead with Purpose: Embed wellbeing and inclusion into the company mission and values. Leaders must model the behaviour they want to see and openly champion these principles.
- Measure What Matters: Regular employee surveys and feedback mechanisms ensure that cultural initiatives are not only implemented but are also effective.
- Provide Education and Resources: Ongoing training on diversity, unconscious bias, and wellness strategies equips teams with tools for lasting change.
- Create a Safe Environment: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, diversity, and belonging without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Inspiring Change
Companies like Unilever and Salesforce have shown that embedding a strong culture focused on wellbeing and inclusion enhances both employee and customer relationships. They have proven that prioritising culture is more than just a feel-good initiative—it’s a strategic imperative.
A positive work culture is about much more than ping-pong tables or free snacks. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, included, and supported to thrive. When companies embrace this ethos, they unlock not only the potential of their teams but also long-term business success.
Leaders must recognise that investing in culture isn’t just about keeping up with trends—it’s about securing a sustainable, profitable future where both employees and businesses flourish.
References
- McKinsey & Company. “The Link Between Organizational Health and Financial Performance.”
- Deloitte Insights. “The Social Enterprise at Work: Paradox as a Path Forward.”
- Harvard Business Review. “How to Build a Culture of Innovation.”
Kumud Gandhi is a Nutritional Food Scientist bestselling Author, Broadcaster, and Keynote Speaker on the subject of nutritional health for productivity & performance in the workplace. In 2010 Kumud founded ‘The Cooking Academy’ a cookery school that focusses on cooking for nutritional health and wellbeing. Kumud regularly presents to international audiences on a variety of topics such as ‘Eating for Immunity and a Lifetime of Wellness’. She is an expert in the field of Wellness in the Workplace and works with organizations to create transformational change in employee health & well-being through nutrition and health coaching.