Green Flags for a Rocking Workplace Culture

May 1, 2018

We talk about “red flags” in life – indicators/warning signs that things are about to go sideways in a baaaaaaaad way. But what about “green flags” – signs or indicators that things are going well or unfolding in the right way?

I recently came upon an article in Forbes called, “7 Key Indicators of a Great Workplace”.  Sure, these seven indicators may not all work as a “green flag” concept, but if you’re going to be more intentional about your workplace culture or change your workplace culture or value your workplace culture, you need something to measure progress against!  You need to identify the key elements – the key metrics – that you can track and can objectively say:

1. These are the areas we need to focus in on if we are going to see real change.

2. These are the areas that will also give us the biggest bang for our buck if we focus on them.

3. These are the things we can track and measure to see if we are indeed making any real progress.

So what would your green flag indicators of a great, rocking, inspiring workplace culture be?  What behaviors would you focus in on? What elements of a thriving workplace culture do you want to so improvement in? How will you know your culture has improved six months from now?

For the record, here are the seven indicators the Forbes article mentioned. What would you change? What would you add? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

1. There are measurable and attainable goals for all employees.

2. Employees help set their own goals.

3. There is a company-wide performance-based bonus structure in place.

4. Employee values are quotable and relatable.

5. The physical office space is inviting.

6. The leadership team is accessible.

7. Employees hang around together after office hours.

So, what sayeth you? What doesn’t make any sense? What’s obviously lacking? If you could distill it down to just three key indicators what would they be? Inquiring minds want your ideas!

Michael Kerr, May 2018. Michael Kerr is a Hall of Fame international business speaker, trainer and the author of six books, including The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses are Laughing All the Way to the Bank.