Cultural fit runs much deeper than making sure employees get on well with each other—though of course, this is an important part. Getting cultural fit right has been important for time immemorial but is becoming ever more crucial as globalization continues apace. And it especially applies to recruitment in the Caribbean and Bermuda region where ensuring a potential expat employee has a good ‘Island fit’ is vital.

Cultural fit ensures that a company’s values and beliefs are in line with everyone who works there.  Imagine each component of your company as a puzzle piece. You have your computer systems, various departments, the location, hardware, etc. It’s only when each puzzle piece fits smoothly together that you get the bigger, clearer picture.

But no company is going to have exactly the same puzzle. The culture fit of one company will vary depending on the employees, managers, and owners. A positive culture fit allows a company to thrive. On the contrary, a poor culture fit can turn an environment toxic.

Before delving into why getting cultural fit right is so important, we have to explain that the right cultural fit cannot be about discrimination. Just because someone doesn’t come from the same culture as your business, it doesn’t mean they won’t be a good cultural fit. Diversity is essential for every company to ensure a wide range of knowledge, experience, and ideas. Here are some reasons why cultural fit matters:

#1. The work environment is a happier one

Colleagues who have very different personalities and personal beliefs are going to clash. Even if one is able to refrain from sharing their opinions, it still doesn’t make for a healthy environment where employees can be themselves. When colleagues have a wide range of values and each one welcomes and respects these values, the work environment is a happier one.

#2. Communication within an organization is stronger

Much like the happier environment, when the cultural fit is strong, people are better able to communicate with each other. Better communication leads to the sharing of ideas, better problem-solving abilities, and fewer issues.

#3. Improved retention

It makes sense that if employees are happy in the workplace, they are less likely to look for employment elsewhere. A high employee turnover causes more work for all departments because of additional recruitment and training. All of this comes at a financial cost too. When you recruit with cultural fit in mind, your retention will improve.

#4. Quality and quantity of work is boosted

A recent study showed that people who felt they were a good cultural fit in their workplace rated their productivity at 7.2 out of 10. Those who didn’t feel they fit in rated their productivity at just 5.3. Employees are more engaged in their work, increasing the quality and productivity compared with those who don’t agree with the culture and are dissatisfied with their work.

#5. Your company can attract the top talent

The average American spends approximately 1,764 hours at work each year. Salary will always be a top priority, but more and more members of the workforce rate things like flexibility and cultural fit as important features of the job. Top talent can often have their pick of many positions, and they want to know that the 1,764 hours of the year are spent with people who share the same values.

#6. Your company can increase in value

When 1,400 CEOs and CFOs were asked if they felt there was a link between cultural fit and financial success, 90% felt there was a strong link. They also felt that a strong cultural fit was associated with a greater perceived value in the world.

#7. Your company culture adds to your brand image

Imagine your workplace culture as your company’s personality. It’s a happy, comfortable location that people relate to as something positive. Relationships are mutually beneficial. When people talk about working for your company, they will speak highly of this positive environment. Your brand image is associated with a workplace where people and their beliefs are valued. This again will come back and be an asset for your recruitment as well as your revenue.

As Boy George would doubtless agree, getting in with the right Culture Club is the route to success!

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