Beyond ping pong tables: What workplace culture really looks like

According to a recent Zipdo study, 95 percent of employees believe culture is more important than compensation. That’s pretty darn important considering money is often a top motivator for many. There’s more stats where this came from, all underscoring the idea that culture matters. But what exactly is culture? Gone are the days of the greatest job perks being a ping pong table in the lunchroom and the occasional opportunity to bring your pet to the office. 

Over the last decade, workers’ priorities have shifted. Many potential employees wish to work for organizations whose missions, visions and values align with theirs. This is the secret sauce of what culture truly is. At Pierce PR, we take this to heart. Yes, we offer unlimited PTO and a 401(k) with a company match, but we’ve also invested time, energy and money into making our culture the very best. When you have a great culture, employees are more engaged and productive, retention is higher and work is just more … fun. 

We asked several of our team members to share what they value in a workplace culture. Regardless of the industry you’re in, these insights will provide an enlightening perspective on the importance of investing in and fostering a great workplace culture.

Carson Grace Burchette, Account Coordinator:

I greatly value support and encouragement within a workplace. Pierce PR began utilizing Culture Index, an analytics tool that helps businesses grow and improve their teams, last year, which resulted in our entire team taking surveys to better understand who we are, how we work and how we can each best be managed. Our leadership team spent many hours understanding how these surveys apply to our team and how they can utilize them to lead us better. Witnessing their commitment to understanding the tool and collaborating with us on a personal level to leverage our results for growth has been incredibly affirming. Pierce’s investment in us as employees goes beyond getting our job done; they prioritize our professional development as individuals. This supportive environment consistently validates, champions and inspires me, and I feel truly privileged to be a part of this team. 

Carson Brown, Account Manager: 

Employees who socialize together often also end up being great team players. Pierce PR values a sense of unity and connection within its growing team. We understand that though we have a job to do and clients to serve, our team is more likely to be invested in the work if we are invested in the people working alongside us. One of my favorite aspects of Pierce’s strong team-oriented culture is our quarterly outings. Whether it be a slightly competitive trivia night, dinner at one of Nashville’s newest hot spots or a team bake-off, these activities serve as a time to connect and engage with our colleagues in a new setting. Time to bond in a non-work environment creates stronger connections both professionally and personally, allowing energized and unified teams to lead the charge.

Mckenzie Masters, Senior Account Manager: 

Culture can mean a lot of things to different people. For me, as a mom to one (soon to be two) children, a truly great culture is one where I can bring my whole self to work. Some days, that version of me is a little tired or distracted, whereas other days, I’m on top of my game. Pierce PR’s culture gives space for me to be myself because of the abundance of trust and collaboration on the team. You can have the best snack bar or in-office gym, but if your culture isn’t one that allows people to be themselves, you’re missing out on a truly productive, enjoyable and collaborative environment. 

Carson Grace Burchette is an account coordinator, Carson Brown is an account manager and Mckenzie Masters is a senior account manager at Pierce PR.