7 Companies with a Focus on Fostering a Zen Culture
Company culture is one of those “buzz phrases” that just won’t go away – and that’s a good thing!
There are companies that spend a lot of time, money, and resources on implementing the perfect culture.
Conversely, there are companies who don’t see the purpose in this, thus shying away from making changes that could have a positive impact on employees (as well as their bottom line).
Are you ready to make some changes in regards to company culture? Are you wondering where to start?
Here are seven companies that can show you the way:
Zappos
Zappos may be known for its large selection of shoes, but its culture is second to none. While there’s a lot to mention, let’s focus on its approach to interviewing and hiring.
Get this: new employees are offered $2,000 to quit after one week of training if they decide that the job isn’t a good fit.
This may sound like a waste of money, but it ensures that every employee is happy with their position, engaged, and ready to work for the betterment of the company (and themselves).
Chevron
You may not expect to see a company like Chevron on this list, but it knows a thing or two about keeping employees happy.
Chevron is the “cream of the crop” when it comes to employee health. In addition to on-site health and fitness centers, it also offers health-club memberships. Taking this one step further, Chevron promotes better health through personal training and massage programs.
When employees feel better they are more productive. And when employees are more productive, everyone comes out a winner in the end.
SquareSpace
While some companies are cutting employee benefits, SquareSpace is taking the opposite approach. Take a look at some of the many perks the company offers its workforce:
- Full coverage of medical insurance premiums
- Catered meals and fully stocked kitchen
- Flexible vacations
- Modern office, complete with meditation space
With benefits like these, it’s clear that SquareSpace values each and every one of its employees.
Google
It seems that Google finds its way onto every list that has anything to do with company culture.
Google was one of the first companies to get serious about company culture. Nothing has changed over the years, with the “Big G” offering all of the following:
- Free meals
- Cash bonuses
- On-site gym
- Pet friendly office
- Employee vacations
Google spends millions upon millions of dollars every year to ensure that its employees are taken care of.
Facebook
Facebook may not do anything 100 percent unique in regards to company culture, but it definitely knows a thing or two about treating employees the right way.
Perks of working for the social networking king include:
- Food, food, and more food (all for free)
- Stock options (for some employees)
- On-site laundry
- Open, modern office space
Can you imagine going to work with a bag of dirty laundry and coming home with everything fresh and clean? This sounds silly, but it’s one of those company perks that allow Facebook to standout.
Adobe
What’s the best way to rate and review employees? While there’s no simple answer to this question, Adobe has its own unique idea of how to approach this.
Rather than use ratings and traditional reviews, the company empowers managers to act more as a “coach” and less as a “boss.”
Furthermore, employees have the opportunity to set their own guidelines for performance assessment.
This approach may not work for every company, but it’s helped Adobe create a positive work environment that allows employees to set their own goals and reach their full potential.
Pocket
Pocket is a small company, with approximately 20 employees in its San Francisco office. Even so, it has big ideas in regards to keeping employees happy.
Here’s something to think about: Pocket offers unlimited vacation days to its employees.
According to Amber Stann, Pocket’s culture and office manager (per Monster.com), the company offers unlimited vacation time “because of the importance we place on flexibility and balance in our employees’ lives.”
As long as you have a hard working staff that won’t take advantage of this perk, it can be one of the best ways to help employees find a nice work-life balance.
Conclusion
You may not have the money, space, or other resources to implement all of these ideas, but there’s a good chance you can pick one (or a handful) that makes sense for your company.
When you get serious about nurturing a positive culture, you can be rest assured that you’ll make out in the long run.