Why Company Culture Matters

The greatest companies in the world focus on their people - their employees and those they serve. They understand that the greatest value to an organization is building a culture that is not only felt internally, but externally as well.

Recently, strengthening a company’s culture has become a huge topic of conversation. Specifically, the idea that a stronger company culture allows you to attract better talent. In my recent conversations with C-suite executives, one of the main reasons they want to occupy a physical space is to allow their employees to feel connected with one another while having a space to showcase to clients. Also top of mind is making sure culture does not get lost in translation in a hybrid work model.

Allowing clients to access your space and see first-hand the culture that you built provides them with a sense of security. It makes them feel that, if a company takes care of their own people, they will take care of you. At CBRE we often invite companies into our San Diego office, allowing them to tour and even use our space. This turns our office into a quasi-community space for companies to host board meetings, company parties, and other events. A strong culture can become synonymous with a company, and often is the first thing people associate with it. This increases the value of the company’s brand image, which in return makes clients want to work with them.

“Each person that works for CBRE San Diego is one strand of the fiber that is our culture. Each person is unique and valuable and their experience while here is the most important thing to keep in mind as we evaluate our plans. Making sure each person is heard and taken into account when we implement ideas, events, trainings, etc. My favorite part of CBRE’s culture is within our competitive environment, we elevate each other to be the best we can for ourselves, our company and our clients.” – Jenna Langley, CBRE Director of Operations, West Coast

Perhaps more important than attracting new talent is retaining talent. A strong company culture attributes to lower turnover and better chemistry among teams. Studies show that when employees are connected with other employees and the culture, they stay longer.

At CBRE, I have seen firsthand the benefits that a strong company culture can have on employees. We have a variety of different networking/enrichment groups that encourage comradery both inside and outside the workplace.

“My favorite part of our culture at CBRE San Diego, is how open everyone is and the willingness to help, work, and collaborate with each other. We trade ideas and share information without expecting something in return.” – Luke Williams, CBRE Associate Broker

Luke Williams leads our Rising Professionals Organization at our San Diego office, a networking group for younger employees to meet and collaborate.

“Networking and knowing what other people do inside your organization opens your eyes and gives you perspective for yourself and others.” – Luke Williams, CBRE Associate Broker

Jenna Langley is the Director of Operations for the West Coast at CBRE, she shared her thoughts on company culture and the role it plays in our organization with me.

“Company culture is more about how you feel as a part of the company. It’s not always about just having fun, although we do a lot of that. Culture is also about being driven around the same vision and values.” – Jenna Langley, CBRE Director of Operations, West Region

The depth to which an employee feels connected to their company and colleagues stems from the company’s culture. It is important for leadership to develop, maintain, and practice the values that build their business environment so they reverberate throughout the company.  Ensuring that a company is imbedded with a strong culture will lead to greater satisfaction among employees and a positive external image.