Worried About Culture? Invest in Recruiting

Culture is a grassroots issue

A 2021 HBR article demonstrates that a single employee with a negative attitude can generate a toxic environment. Complaining is contagious. The idea is backed by a Stanford study which highlights the correlation between constant exposure to bad, sad, or mad expressions and physical changes to the brain.

Focusing on hiring and designing the interview process to pick up on positivity and EQ is an effective way to move culture in the right direction and avoid the spread of negativity.

Hiring for culture allows for accuracy

Bring on new employees is the moment when you choose your company’s culture. If you want your company to operate at a fast pace with lots of energy, hire energetic people looking for a fast-paced environment.

Designing the interview process to highlight ways potential employees will add to the company culture allows you to ensure your company culture grows in a healthy direction.

Hiring often yields a better ROI

Conducting surveys, adjusting supervisor responsibilities, adding new training, changing the physical workspace… these are just a few of the ways companies approach culture change, and the cost of these changes adds up. Hiring is not cheap either, but it is likely more effective and is something your company is already doing.

Going from a good to a great hiring process can greatly increase the quality of candidates you attract and ultimately hire. Company leaders or supervisors at least two levels above the hiring band should be involved in the process. Leaders will understand the direction the company is moving in and the types of candidates that can get them there. This also lets candidates know that their candidacy is important to the company.

Hiring a search firm may seem expensive, but the expertise these organizations bring to the table will save the company money through hiring accurately and reducing turnover.

Steven Haug, Ph.D. is a Project Manager of ECA Partners. You can contact him at [email protected].