Creating an Irresistible Corporate Culture

Many companies are discovering that an appealing corporate culture is a powerful recruiting tool, a terrific incentive for existing staff and an effective way to boost the bottom line. In a book titled The Power of People Skills, Douglas Stewart traces a direct link between "work culture," improved employee productivity and, consequently, greater profitability for a company.

Competitive salaries are only one feature of the sort of workplace culture that will attract, motivate and retain top-notch staff. Equally important today are a variety of non-monetary rewards and incentives that play a major role in shaping and defining a given firm's corporate culture.

Just as a culture varies widely from one country to the next, or even from one state to another, so corporate cultures are as diverse and individualized as the companies that create them. Many high-tech Silicon Valley firms have become known for corporate cultures that include not only flexible scheduling, bul also perks such as casual dress policies, gourmet cafeterias or free membership in health clubs. Telecommuting, another scheduling option that's becoming more popular, is offered by many large corporations.