I’ve always felt uneasy with the word “perfection”. Given the track record of human behavior from the beginning of time, it doesn’t seem like something we’re experts in accomplishing.
I cringe a little when I hear it being thrown around in business settings. That’s why I can relate to business leaders who express, “there’s no such thing as a perfect company—employees will inevitably leave, no matter what.”
Yes, change is unavoidable, and people will come and go. The romanticized “loyalty” that employers yearn for, where employees stay with one company for more than 30+ years, is as rare as spotting a classic 1955 Mercedes Gullwing Coupe on the road these days. It’s just not happening anymore.
At Ekipo, we understand the concerns that some may have about investing in building a well-designed workplace culture only to face the reality of seeing their best employees head for the exits permanently. However, rather than striving for an unattainable perfection, embrace the imperfections and focus on building a culture that can withstand the test of time.
Let’s debunk the myth of the perfect company and highlight the benefits of prioritizing a well-crafted workplace culture that will attract the right talent, navigate change, and leave a lasting legacy.
Acknowledge Reality: The first step in addressing concerns about turnover is acknowledging the reality that people will leave. Instead of viewing this as a roadblock, consider it an opportunity for growth and transformation. Employees may leave, but the impact of a positive workplace culture will endure, influencing those who remain and attracting new talent.
Building a Culture of Resilience: A workplace culture designed with intention becomes the backbone of a resilient organization. When employees feel valued, supported, and engaged, they are more likely to contribute their best work. This isn’t something that you can buy from a vendor, it has to be intentional from the top down. This resilience enables a company to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and even thrive in the face of adversity.
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: A resilient workplace culture acts as a magnet for great talent. While turnover is inevitable, the focus should shift toward attracting the right people and retaining them for as long as possible. I tell leaders all the time, what do you value, who do you value, and how do you show that value? By prioritizing employee well-being and professional development, companies can create an environment where employees choose to stay and grow for longer periods of time.
Continuous Improvement: I was raised in a household that never expected perfection, but demanded progress. Years later, I’m trying to instill that same principle into the lives of my own kids. Companies should take the same approach.
At Ekipo, we believe a well-designed workplace culture is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing process of adaptation, progress and refinement. Embracing imperfection means being open to feedback, learning from experiences, and making adjustments to ensure the culture aligns with the evolving needs of the organization and its employees.
Engaged Employees = Cost Savings: Sometimes, when companies are struggling financially, they make the “difficult choice” of laying off many of their employees. As they say, it’s for the “good of the company”. Sorry, but what a bunch of bull. That approach never seems to have a good ending for any of the stakeholders.
A better approach is focusing on building a strong workplace culture. When employees are committed, they are less likely to jump ship, reducing the expenses tied to recruitment, training, and the productivity dip during onboarding. Investing in a positive work environment becomes a strategic financial move, leading to ongoing cost savings that positively impact the company’s finances.
Legacy Beyond Individuals: While individual employees may come and go, a strong workplace culture leaves a lasting legacy. It becomes a part of the company’s identity, influencing how the team collaborates, innovates, and faces challenges. This enduring legacy is what sets great companies apart and contributes to long-term success.
The reluctance to invest in a well-designed workplace culture because of the assumed inevitability of employee turnover is rooted in outdated thinking, and prioritizing progress over perfection can help break away from this mindset.
When making the tough decision of whether to stay or leave a company, Scott Galloway (big fan of his work) suggests, “Be loyal to people, not companies.” Perhaps startups and midsize company leaders should consider a similar approach, prioritizing loyalty to their employees over blind devotion to the company. Who knows, maybe, just maybe… they’ll create a work culture so exceptional that no one will ever want to leave right away.
Article was written by John-Miguel Mitchell who is a Lead Consultant at Ekipo LLC. If you’d like to learn more about how to design and build out the ideal workplace culture for your business, email him at jmitchell@joinekipo.com.
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