Over the past few years, the world has experienced a wave of major events that have left a lasting mark on businesses everywhere. Some businesses adapted quickly while others have found it harder to stay afloat. But one thing nearly every company has had to grapple with is the shift in workplace culture.

It’s not surprising. With an increase in staff turnover following ‘the great resignation’, the move to remote or hybrid working, and entire teams formed during lockdowns without meeting in person for months, the foundations of many company cultures have been shaken.

But it raises a good question: what do we actually mean when we talk about “culture”? And does it still matter now that so many companies have proven they can operate just fine through a screen?

Culture can be hard to pin down, but in essence, it’s the shared environment a business creates built on values, behaviours, relationships, and day-to-day habits. It’s not just what’s written in the employee handbook or posted on your website. It’s how your team shows up, supports each other, and solves problems. It’s how people feel on a Monday morning, or when they’re having a tough week. It’s the reason clients keep coming back and why people might choose to stay with you rather than jump ship.

Yes, companies can survive without focusing on culture. Some even turn a profit. But thriving is a different matter. Right now, many businesses are struggling to hire the right people and just as importantly, to keep them. With more opportunities (and higher salaries) on offer than ever before, retention has become one of the biggest challenges employers face.

That’s where a strong culture comes in. It’s a powerful tool for engagement. It builds loyalty, trust, and a sense of purpose, qualities that are harder and harder to find in today’s fast-moving job market. It makes people want to stick around and grow with the business. And when recruitment is expensive and time-consuming, retention is more than just a nice-to-have, it’s essential.

So, how do we build or rebuild a workplace culture that actually works?

It starts with listening. Whether through staff surveys, performance reviews, or feedback from clients and suppliers, it’s important to get an honest picture of where your culture really stands. And once you have that insight, the next step is facing it head-on, no excuses, no defensiveness, just a clear commitment to improvement.

That change has to begin with leadership. Leaders set the tone. If they’re not living the values they want to see in others, no amount of posters or policies will make a difference. Once the data is in, leaders need to take ownership of their role in shaping culture and follow through with meaningful action. The ripple effect can be huge.

We’ve seen organisations with incredible workplace cultures. But even the best can improve. And in many cases, even small shifts in behaviour or mindset can lead to significant results across the business.

So yes, culture still matters. More than ever, in fact. 

If you’d like to see an improvement in this area at your workplace, let’s have a chat.