We talk a lot about company culture. It’s on every careers page, in every job description, and often plastered on office walls in carefully curated value statements. But what does it really mean? And more importantly—does it actually work?
For me, the true value of company culture became crystal clear in December 2024, when I lost my dad. Grief is an overwhelming thing. It pulls you under in ways you don’t expect, and suddenly, even the most ordinary things—getting up, answering an email, stepping back into work—can feel like climbing a mountain with no summit in sight.
I took seven weeks away from work to process, heal, and simply exist in my new reality. Coming back, I felt the familiar nerves—the worry of how I might readjust, whether I’d still feel like I belonged, whether I’d be able to show up as myself. But those fears have quickly dissipated into something unexpected: empowerment.
I am supported, I am seen, and I continue to be given the space to be human. Life is not as it was before, but being in a company that truly values its people—beyond just productivity—has helped me. I didn’t have to pretend. I don’t have to hide my grief or rush through it. I was met with understanding, patience, and a culture that actually worked when it mattered most.
Beyond Buzzwords: What Real Culture Feels Like
Too many companies have values that sound great on paper but mean nothing in practice. Employees don’t know them, leaders don’t embody them, and when push comes to shove, the culture is just a set of empty promises.
The reality in those environments? The ‘Sunday Scaries’—that dread of returning to work—becomes the norm. People hide parts of themselves, hold back their ideas, and work under a layer of stress that stifles their best thinking. And the worst part? Many don’t even realise how much it’s impacting them because they’ve never experienced the alternative.
In my career, being part of a genuinely supportive culture changed the way I see work. I realised that when you feel safe, when you don’t have to put on a mask to fit in, you’re able to bring more of yourself to what you do. And that’s when performance, creativity, and engagement truly thrive.
Culture Drives Performance—Here’s How
A culture that prioritises psychological safety, authenticity, and real support doesn’t just make work more enjoyable—it makes people perform better. When employees feel:
- Safe to be themselves, they share bold ideas without fear of judgment.
- Genuinely supported, they can navigate challenges without burning out.
- Valued and heard, they feel more invested in the company’s success.
I saw this first-hand. Even in the midst of personal hardship, I feel empowered to contribute, motivated to push forward, and deeply connected to the team around me. Because I do not work in an environment where culture is a tick-box exercise—it is a foundation that everything else was built on.
Does Your Culture Actually Work?
If you’re leading a business, ask yourself honestly: is your company culture a reality or just rhetoric? Does it actively support your people, or does it crumble when they need it most?
If you’re an employee, reflect on your own experience: Do you feel comfortable being yourself at work? Can you ask for help without fear? Does your workplace energise you, or do you wake up with a knot in your stomach every Sunday?
If the answer isn’t what you’d hope, ask yourself what’s holding your culture back. Is it fear? Is it old habits? Is it a leadership team that says the right things but doesn’t live them? Whatever it is, the good news is it can be changed—but only if you’re willing to confront the reality of what’s missing.
Building a Culture That Works
Culture isn’t about free coffee, ping-pong tables, or motivational posters. Whilst these are all nice to have, it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. It starts at the top, but it’s reinforced in every interaction, every policy, and every small decision that prioritises people over process.
For those of us who have experienced real culture—the kind that lifts you up when you need it most—we know its power. And if you haven’t yet? It’s worth fighting for.
At Day One, we’re committed to building a workplace where culture isn’t just talked about—it’s felt. Because when culture works, everything else does too.
So, I ask you: Does your company’s culture really work? And if not, what’s stopping you from changing it?
