Corporate Culture “Vices”

Do we have it? Is it an idea that cannot be brought to life? Who is responsible for bringing to life the culture the organisation portrays itself to have?

Often times when you join an organisation, they will give you an overview of what the corporate or company culture is like. Lately many companies talk about how they have created an environment that’s pro millennials. By this we assume they mean that it will be fun, flexible and fair! especially fair! . But is this really true?

I had a chat with my instagram corporate millennials on the issue of corporate culture a little while ago. I just wanted to know the few things they would change if given the opportunity – regarding corporate culture or the corporate world. (See image below for some highlights).

There are a few things I gather from the above comments. The current corporate culture in Botswana has the following traits;

• No flexible working hours/remote working
• No room to be “young” and have fun while working
• performance assessment not merit based
• Leaders not trained to groom young talent.

This does not apply to every Organisation, however these are the recurring traits that came up from the chat I had on Instagram.

It is very common for organisations to sell a corporate culture that’s not actually being practiced on the ground. Through various conversations with other people I have realised that the expectations that are created in young peoples minds are often not met. The Corporate Culture remains an idea that no one really takes time to implement or work on. (Not everywhere obviously).

The norm in our society has however revealed that , the way millennials expect the workplace to be and how it actually is, is the cause of most frustrations.

Millennials are more inclined to work for a company that they share values with, one that really encourages them to be themselves without being judged/laughed at. I emphasise “really” because often times there is a policy, or there are conversations around how millennials should not be afraid to be their true self, but management and the actual company culture shuns this true expression of self.

The Common Realities of Corporate Culture in our Environment

Managers/Leaders view Millennials like children (sometimes their own children)

Often this isn’t just by managers, colleagues do not view the younger generation as equals when at work. Often the millennials won’t be called with their names but with terms such as; “nnana (child/baby), ngwanaka (my child), nnaka (my younger sibling)”. Although this may seem harmful, it has an effect when a young person is being considered for more responsibility.

These names, paint us to be immature or not capable of taking up an “adult” role, i.e management. It may seem harmful, but this sort of environment causes a divide between the generations in the organisation. When millennials do not feel accepted as equals, then they do not have a sense of belonging to the company.

It is important for the general population of a company to respect the younger generation as equals. Maintaining a semi-professional culture where we call each other by our names isn’t too hard (right?).

Too many rules

There are just too many rules!!

Often these have nothing to do with your actual output at work. When they do affect your output, sometimes they don’t make sense.

When rules are created it is important that they are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and even necessary. Rules are important, however they need to be enabling rather that controlling and oppressive. We are all adults right? Also they should apply to all of us equally.

I came across the image below in one of my Pinterest frenzy’s and it seemed like a perfect set of rules.

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“Seat-warming” is a real thing

I don’t need to dwell too much on this one cause wow.

If you’re not at your designated seat the building is about to burn down. Forget the fact that you are available on your mobile (please answer it), and on email, people insist that by 8am you be seated at your chair. How about the fact that at 5pm you are gone! ABOMINATION lol. Im exaggerating.

Many companies pride themselves in having remote access, flexible hours and various areas where you can sit and work in a relaxed fashion. A lot of the top management is uncomfortable with the thought of working with millennials remotely. They want them seated in close proximity so they know for sure they are working.

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People can’t seem to draw the line

Have you ever been in a situation where someone asks you something personal (i.e something that’s non of their business);you respond; they do not like your response-you pay for it by getting a hectic workload, unrealistic deadlines, or the worst a bad review at the end of the year.? No? Yes? okay.

Well, it has become a common thing to find the colleague and friends line blurred.If you are uncomfortable and make it known, you are labelled, attacked or victimised for not wanting to participate in engagements that concern your personal life or choices. Many in the corporate world are not afraid to pry into your personal life and poke holes at it.

Personal space is important. Know where to draw the line and do not be afraid to stand your ground if the company doesn’t support you. (rant).

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The truth is culture is a huge deal. Changing it and having the entire work community follow it will not happen through a one day engagement or a policy.

It requires a top -down-down-up-left-right buy in.

The important thing is to remember that we are all different, there will be people you have to work with that you simply cannot stand. Here you will unwillingly be equipped with emotional intelligence (you need it).

There are some things you can “fight” for and they will change, however if you simply do not fit and cannot survive, don’t be afraid to work on your exit plan. It shouldn’t be an abrupt move. Remember every step you take is a building block in your career and it must be made wisely.

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There is so much to say, but all of it sounds like a suite of complaints lol. Our companies have a long way to go. In a convenient forum, remember to keep making those suggestions that could one day bring us one step closer to a better work environment.

Some of these have helped me in manoeuvring and picking a workplace. I hope you will also find some tips and will be a change agent in your company.