How to create a company culture

This is a question many job seekers think about when deciding whether to accept an offer of employment. All other boxes check off: great starting salary and bonus structure, a position that matches one’s expertise, and reasonable working hours. It all looks great on paper in the contract, but how do you know what it will actually feel like to work in this business setup Dubai? What are the people like? What’s the energy of the office space?

These are all rather abstract questions, and tough to know the answers to before you actually start work, which can seem like a big risk. How do I know if I’ll succeed in a work environment I know next to nothing about?

Advertise it

On the job postings section of your company website, let prospective applicants know what your business setup’s culture comprises of. Include content that describes elements such as the pace of the office, and what kinds of professional and personal interests you want in your hires. That way different applicants, such as those who thrive on competition and networking, or those whose approach is intellectually inclined, can decide if the role – beyond the skills and expertise required – is right for them, and if they are suited to making the contributions your business setup requires.

Be a leader

It’s the people who create a company culture. As an employer, you have to think about how to match skills and personalities across your team to successfully execute projects. Here, as the head of a business startup in Dubai, you’re taking a leadership role in putting together the right team on the right projects. Think about who among your staff have complementary work styles, and construct opportunities for teamwork, that will lead to superior outputs the whole team is proud of, which in turn will help you establish and set up your business in the market.

Interview strategically

When you interview prospective hires, ask them about what kind of a business startup culture they would ideally like to be a part of, and how they would hope to build it. Also, tell them about the office culture you are building, and your goals. That way both you and the applicant can make the most informed decision about whether you’re a product fit for each other. Interview questions like this can help you save time and money in the long run, and hit the ground running with building a conducive work culture for all of your staff.

Team building

Host team-building exercises and events to provide your staff with opportunities to get to know you and their colleagues outside of the office space. If colleagues can learn to have fun together, and get to know each other outside of a professional setting, this can help build and solidify a positive company culture that can help a business startup find a firm footing. This added layer enables colleagues to get to know each other on a personal level – from their sense of humour to value systems – and therefore work better together.