In today’s ever-evolving work environments, improving work place culture is integral to retention. With businesses preaching their ‘4-day work week trial’ or ‘bring your pup to work’, it is undeniable that fostering a positive and innovative culture is key to an organisation’s success.

Companies like Netflix have pioneered new ways to cultivate a culture of accountability and innovation, showing that less can often be more when it comes to policies. By giving employees the freedom ‘to act in the best interest of Netflix’, Netflix has created a culture where accountability is intrinsic rather than enforced.

Netflix’s policy for travel and similar expenses is five words long: “Act in Netflix’s best interest.” Their paid holiday policy is: “Take vacation.” They do not enforce any specific number of weeks per year, although they find that most staff members tend to stick to the industry norms.

The Fish Rots From the Head

It is one thing to have an innovative idea and an entirely different thing to enforce an idea that your colleagues may laugh at. As the saying goes, “the fish rots from the head,” highlighting the pivotal role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. Leaders who prioritise innovation and embrace new ways of thinking set the tone for the entire organisation. Why would a team member nominate an ‘out of the box’ idea when their CEO, GM or National Manager never does?

But how can organisations foster innovation without straying too far from their core values and experience? One approach is to look beyond traditional sources of talent. I watched a Ted Talk recently that discussed how our cities are built by a very selected few in terms of demographic, and therefore are not inclusive in their design – which always reminds me of the playground on Crown Street in Surry Hills with slides made of cold hard marble. Anyone with an energetic toddler like my son would agree, that is a dentist appointment waiting to happen. Similarly, organisations that only hire from within their existing scope of experience may limit their ability to innovate and adapt to a changing world. Imagine hiring a Concierge from Park Hyatt to manage the floor and service in Hermes. Can you think of some examples?

Culture alignment is more than look and sound

To foster innovation, organisations should, or must, consider hiring from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Do not type hire; culture alignment is more than look and sound. By bringing in fresh perspectives, companies can challenge conventional thinking and drive meaningful change. Additionally, investing in continuous learning and development can help employees stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new challenges and transition between industries.

Fostering a better work culture requires a combination of innovative thinking, strong leadership, and a willingness to embrace change. By taking cues from companies like Netflix and looking beyond traditional hiring practices, organisations can create a culture that inspires creativity, accountability, and success. This week try to think of one crazy idea that would foster innovation in your team; it could just be the gift that keeps on giving.

‘Culture is not an initiative. Culture is the enabler of all initiatives.’
Larry Senn

Cultivating Innovation: How to Transform Your Workplace Culture for Success”

Fostering a Positive and Innovative Culture:
- Emphasising the importance of a positive work environment.
- Examples include the 4-day work week and allowing pets at work.
Netflix’s Approach:
- Cultivates accountability and innovation with minimal policies.
- Policies like “Act in Netflix’s best interest” for expenses and “Take vacation” for holidays encourage intrinsic accountability.
Leadership’s Role:
- Leaders must prioritise and exemplify innovation.
- The saying “the fish rots from the head” emphasises leadership’s influence on culture.
- Leaders must model innovative behaviour to inspire their teams.
Hiring Beyond Traditional Talent Pools:
- Hiring from diverse backgrounds to foster innovation.
- Avoiding “type hiring” ensures a variety of perspectives.
- Example: Hiring a hotel concierge for a luxury brand to bring fresh customer service perspectives.
Continuous Learning and Development:
- Investing in employee development to adapt to new challenges.
- Encourages transitioning between industries for broader experience.
Combining Innovation, Leadership, and Change:
- Strong leadership and embracing change are crucial for a better work culture.
- Taking inspiration from successful companies like Netflix.
- Encouraging teams to propose and implement innovative ideas.

Key Takeaway: Improving workplace culture requires a blend of innovative policies, strong and exemplary leadership, diverse hiring practices, and continuous employee development. Companies like Netflix demonstrate that fostering a culture of intrinsic accountability and creativity, supported by leadership and diverse perspectives, leads to organisational success.

Are you ready for TSP to find your next ‘Unicorn’? Please feel free to contact us today.