A positive workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s shaped by leadership, communication, the physical workspace, and how much employees feel valued and supported. For many business owners, building a good workplace culture is one of the toughest parts of running a company, but also one of the most rewarding.
When people enjoy coming to work, they perform better, stay longer, and help the business grow. If your office has been feeling flat, disconnected, or experiencing high turnover, it’s time to take a closer look at your workplace culture.
What is Workplace Culture?
Workplace culture is the shared values, attitudes, and behaviours that define how people work together. It influences everything from employee satisfaction and engagement to productivity and customer experience.
A positive workplace culture encourages collaboration, respect, and open communication. A toxic workplace culture, on the other hand, breeds mistrust, poor morale, and stress. Understanding which one you have is the first step in improving it.
Signs Your Office Culture Needs Improvement
Before you can improve workplace culture, it’s important to recognise the signs of a negative or unhealthy one. Some of the most common include:
- High staff turnover or frequent absenteeism
- Low employee morale or a lack of enthusiasm
- Poor communication between team members or departments
- Cliques or conflicts that divide the team
- Limited professional development opportunities
- A dull or outdated work environment that discourages collaboration
If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many Perth businesses face similar challenges, particularly as teams expand or hybrid work arrangements become more prevalent.
However, there are some simple ways to improve workplace culture. This can include the following:
1. Leaders Set the Tone
Workplace culture starts at the top. Employees take cues from how leaders communicate, make decisions, and treat others. Senior leadership needs to model the behaviours and attitudes they want to see across the organisation.
Leaders who are approachable, transparent, and supportive build trust and mutual respect. Simple habits, such as greeting staff daily, asking for input, or acknowledging effort, can make a lasting impact.
Encouraging employees to share ideas without fear of judgment fosters a sense of psychological safety, which is crucial for innovation and job satisfaction.
If your leadership team hasn’t had training in communication and people management, consider relevant programs that strengthen empathy, feedback, and conflict resolution skills.
2. Promote Open Communication
Open communication is one of the key factors in a healthy workplace culture. Employees need to feel heard and valued, not just managed.
Here are a few ways to improve communication within your organisation’s culture:
- Hold regular team meetings to share updates and progress.
- Encourage feedback through surveys or informal check-ins.
- Be clear about expectations so everyone understands their role.
- Create opportunities for informal communication, such as shared break areas or casual team lunches, to foster a sense of community.
An environment where people feel comfortable speaking up without negative consequences helps prevent misunderstandings and builds stronger teams.
If your current office layout hinders communication, consider open-plan design ideas that promote collaboration while still allowing for focused workspaces.
3. Recognise and Reward Achievements
Employee recognition is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve workplace culture. When people know their work is appreciated, motivation and employee engagement rise.
Recognition doesn’t always need to be formal. While structured programs like “Employee of the Month” can be effective, spontaneous praise in meetings or one-on-one conversations is often more meaningful.
Consider incorporating both individual recognition and team celebrations. It shows employees that their contributions matter and strengthens a sense of shared purpose.
4. Invest in Professional Development
Employees want to grow, not stagnate. Offering opportunities for career growth and professional development demonstrates commitment to your people and your company’s future.
Options include:
- Mentoring programs
- Internal training or shadowing
- External courses or certifications
- Leadership skill workshops
- Rotational roles for broader experience
Investing in your team builds confidence, improves performance, and supports employee retention. It also shows you value personal growth, a cornerstone of a positive company culture.
5. Focus on Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
A positive work environment supports both productivity and mental health. When employees are overworked or under pressure, burnout can quickly follow.
Show your team that you care about their well-being by:
- Encouraging regular breaks and time off
- Supporting flexible or hybrid work options
- Promoting healthy habits through workplace wellness programs
- Providing quiet zones or breakout spaces for relaxation
- Making mental health resources accessible
When employees feel supported, they’re more engaged, focused, and loyal. A healthy workplace culture not only benefits your staff but also drives business success.
6. Design a Space that Supports Positive Culture
Your physical environment plays a major role in shaping behaviour, collaboration, and productivity. A dated or poorly designed office can unintentionally reinforce negative patterns like isolation or low motivation.
An office fitout tailored to your company’s needs can transform how people feel and work. Think about:
- Open collaboration areas to encourage teamwork
- Private pods or quiet rooms for focused tasks
- Comfortable break rooms that promote informal connection
- Ergonomic furniture that supports health and well-being
- Natural lighting and plants to create a calming atmosphere
7. Embrace Team Building and Shared Values
Building a good company culture also means strengthening relationships. Team-building activities, both in and out of the office, help employees connect on a personal level, improving collaboration and trust.
Choose activities that reflect your organisation’s core values and encourage teamwork, such as:
- Problem-solving workshops
- Volunteer days
- Creative brainstorming sessions
- Group fitness or social events
These shared experiences reinforce a positive attitude across the workplace and make employees feel part of something bigger than their daily tasks.
8. Create Clear Values and Consistent Messaging
Every business has a mission, but not every employee is aware of it. Defining and communicating your company’s mission and values helps align everyone toward common goals.
These values should be visible, not just on your website but within your workspace. Wall graphics, digital displays, or collaborative boards can serve as daily reminders of what your organisation stands for.
When company values guide decision-making, recruitment, and recognition, they help sustain a positive workplace culture over the long term.
9. Address Negative Behaviours Early
Even the best workplaces face challenges. Ignoring negative behaviours or poor communication allows minor issues to grow into major cultural problems.
Managers should be trained to handle conflict with fairness and respect. Address issues privately, listen to all perspectives, and focus on finding solutions that protect team harmony.
Maintaining psychological health in the workplace requires consistency and accountability at all levels of the organisation.
Building A Positive Workplace Culture that Lasts
Improving workplace culture takes time, but small, consistent actions create lasting change. When leadership, environment, and communication align, employees feel more connected, engaged, and motivated to achieve organisational goals.
If your team is struggling with morale or cohesion, start by looking at the environment they work in every day. A supportive, well-designed office can make all the difference.
Ready to Improve Your Workplace Culture?
Discuss with the team at Perth Citi Fitout how to redesign your office for enhanced collaboration, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
