How Can Accountancy Trainees Create Positive Workplace Cultures?
It doesn’t matter what level of seniority you are at an organisation - you can have an important impact on workplace culture and performance.
Workplace culture is an increasingly important topic area. You only need to read the news headlines to find cultural failures from the Post Office and the MET Police to Oxfam and the CBI. But how can you, accountancy trainees and future business leaders, create positive workplace cultures?
No action is too small: don’t let your level of seniority make you feel like you can’t make a difference. Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and positivity in all your interactions with colleagues and clients. Even small actions can set the tone for others and contribute to a more positive workplace culture.
A fresh, innovative perspective: being new to your company and the industry is a super power. Use your knowledge of digital tools and platforms to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation within your team. Have an idea for improvement? Let it be heard.
New ways of working: Advocate for a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and encouraging colleagues to do the same. Recognise the importance of mental health and well-being in maintaining a positive workplace culture and share your insights with others.
Collaborate and Communicate: Foster a culture of collaboration rather than competition by actively seeking input from others, sharing ideas openly, and communicating transparently. Encourage teamwork and cooperation to achieve common goals.
Build positive relationships: based on mutual trust and integrity. Take the time to build meaningful relationships with your colleagues. Get to know them as individuals and find out how they work at their best. This conversation can also be had with clients when working on medium-long term projects.
Is there anything else you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
