Workplaces across every industry are becoming more and more aware of the importance culture plays in organisational success, according to coaching firm Corporate Edge.
Culture plays a central role in establishing team engagement and therefore long-term success in companies.
To reflect the time the companies exist in, the following trends can be expected in 2019.
Embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
The industries that stand to gain the most from AI may also be most impacted by losses to traditional job functions.
AI can add enormous value if human capacity is redeployed to other areas of value – only if companies can facilitate the transition for those whose current jobs may disappear.
Companies need to build cultures that are open to change and environments that are supportive for learning and growth. This way human resources can be quickly redeployed and reutilised without always needing to be replaced.
Agile corporate culture
In order to be quick in responding to changes in the marketplace, corporate culture must also be trained in agility to reflect shorter planning cycles, pivoting priorities and dynamic conditions.
“2019 will be the year that corporate culture accelerates in being people focused and less process focused,” says Corporate Edge director John Colbert.
“By embracing flexibility, cooperation and creativity, corporate cultures can become more agile in this fast-paced world.”
Mental health prioritised
One in five Australians will struggle with their mental health at some point, making it a top priority within corporate culture.
“2019 will see a positive move toward workplaces implementing mental health strategies and focusing on the holistic wellbeing of employees,” Colbert says.
Diversity and inclusion
The attractiveness of a company to external talent and its ability to leverage and harness the strength of diversity will continue to be a huge focus for leaders.
The ‘#metoo’ movement is one example of the acceleration of social change and community momentum toward eliminating bias, discrimination and bullying.
Companies will be even more accountable to reflect this in their approach to company culture in 2019.
Weighing up risks
Companies naturally take on risk in the process of growing or innovating, but it must be carefully balanced.
Leadership and regulatory teams will need to be increasingly careful about their teams’ culture to safeguard companies against unwise risk taking.
As values and lifestyles change, the culture of workplaces move too. A commitment to adaptability will be important for companies hoping to ride the wave of change in 2019.