11 Work Culture Examples That Lead to Happy Employees
Now that you’ve learned about the different types of workplace cultures and the essential aspects of a company culture, it’s time to see how various companies put those cultures into practice. Check out these 11 work culture examples.
You’ll notice these companies have strong cultures and happy employees but also lead in company performance and are world-renowned, proving yet again that a positive company culture can yield powerful business results. Read about these great company culture examples and be inspired to make changes in your own company culture.
1. Dow Chemical
Dow Chemical provides a place for their scientists to regularly come together and discuss the projects and challenges they are working on. Being able to connect and discuss across business units leads to innovative thinking, gives new hires critical exposure to senior scientists, and creates a sense of belonging that prevents competitors from poaching their top talent.
In recent years, Dow Chemical has also allowed employees to have more flexible work schedules. This makes it easier for team members to choose shifts that work around their family’s needs and their other responsibilities.
Employees say:
“Great culture, professional environment, available training, comfortable workspace.”
“Dow people are passionate, committed, and focused — the best in the industry”
“Welcoming, supportive, fast-paced, educational, and challenging.”
2. Adobe
Adobe is built on creativity. So traditional performance ratings and rankings will not be the best way to assess and value work performance. Adobe uses challenging special projects, mentorship, and leader support to help their people succeed.
Rather than micromanaging, leaders ask employees how they can help team members reach their goals. This process of mentoring and coaching means leaders inspire their people and then get out of the way. Managers provide much more than feedback: motivation, support, learning, free-spirited innovation, and creativity.
Employees say:
“I can honestly say that I've never been surrounded by so many genuine, authentic, and nice people in my career. The work environment is one where colleagues truly care about each other.”
“I love working for Adobe. The company focuses on individual growth and provides almost constant opportunities for growth. Couple this with the focus on work life balance and you have an almost perfect company.”
“Wonderful hidden gem. Passionate and creative people, pride in the product. CEO does an awesome job. Vibrant work culture. Product groups are thriving.”
3. AirBnB
Airbnb created a workspace inspired by their actual listings. Conference rooms are designed to look like actual Airbnb homes: log cabins, modern dining rooms, Airstream trailers. Employees work wherever they want, and the company encourages employees to change their desks every day so they can meet new people and collaborate. They hang pictures of actual customers and homeowners in the halls, and feature work by rotating local artists. The company has no official presidents, so anyone can use the restored 1918 President’s office. It’s a workspace that fosters collaboration, innovation, and wellbeing and helps employees live the company’s purpose—to help people belong anywhere.
Employees say:
“Culture, benefits, work life balance, wonderful people, and a mission that lines up well with my personal values.”
“Company filled with employees truly trying to help change the world for the better. The mission is lofty yet inspiring and at the core of all work. Very talented people work here with diverse backgrounds. Opportunity to work on really interesting and impactful projects.”
“Commitment, dedication and innovation is incredible at Airbnb. Everyone works together to build a trusted community and sees any mistakes along the way as an opportunity to grow and learn. Such an enriching work environment!”
4. Patagonia
Patagonia’s policy is that employees can leave anytime there is a perfect surf–even during office hours. Patagonia prides itself on superior quality products, and what better way to prove that than by using their own people to test them?
This policy also helps to “refresh the mind, encouraging employees to leave the office for outdoor activities fosters a strong belief in the product they’re selling with employees being encouraged to test out their apparel regularly. If an employee really believes in the product, it will come across to the client.”
They’re one of the best work culture examples out there. Patagonia’s employees maintain passion for the products and are encouraged to showcase their diversity every day. This freedom to demonstrate individuality and ultimate autonomy over their work makes employees more likely to stay around for decades.
Employees say:
“Great company culture. Environmentally and ethically conscientious. Socially responsible. Solid leadership. Incredible perks. Quality benefits for full-time employees. Core company values; it is a values-driven organization with special emphasis on sustainability and building excellent products.”
“Great company culture. They give you time off to support community causes.”
“The management was amazing and really cared for the employees. Patagonia takes their mission statement seriously as well as the well-being of their employees.”
5. Bain
Bain & Company has been ranked as a best place to work for almost a decade. Why? Their company culture focuses on employees as their greatest asset. They have a robust support system for every member of their firm and a leadership strategy that focuses on humility.
They provide a strong mission and wealth of opportunities for employees to grow, give their employees flexibility, and empower them in their roles. By outlining clear paths to growth and promotions, Bain encourages higher employee retention rates, thereby making their already great company culture more consistent.
Employees say:
“Interesting and challenging work with great exposure to senior clients. Fun and supportive culture, with strong focus on coaching and mentorship. Wide range of opportunities within the company (travel, transfers etc.)”
“Great opportunity to build fundamental business skills. Incredible culture and people. Leadership are invested in your career goals and future no matter where that path will take you.”
“Excellent culture: pragmatic, collaborative, smart, and fun.”
6. Chevron
Chevron’s company culture, “The Chevron Way,” is dedicated to safety and employee well-being. They take great pride in encouraging employees to be healthy whenever possible. They provide on-site gyms for employees that work in their offices and membership stipends where on-site facilities aren’t available.
Their commitment to health doesn’t end there. They insist that their employees take regular breaks and encourage team members to look out for one another.
Unlike many newer companies that focus on creating a “fun” work environment by adding things like free soda machines, ping pong tables, and bean bag chairs in break rooms, Chevron prefers a more traditional approach. Their commitment to health, safety, and emotional well-being makes them one of the leading work culture examples.
Employees say:
"Engaging work, interesting industry, and even without drinking the kool-aid you can recognize the impact of your work on the economy and environment. High commitment to environmental safety and goals around clean energy."
“Company truly cares about its employees. Focus on development and growth with rewards through benefits and opportunities.”
“The Chevron Way values are real and people stay true to them”
7. Zappos
We all know the story of Zappos offering new employees $2000 to quit after their first week on the job. But what really sets Zappos’ culture apart is empowering their people to think outside of the box. They value creativity and encourage employees to wow customers every step of the way. Employees are not confined to corporate policies.
Zappos hires people that will fit into their culture and instills their ten core values in all new employees. They have a CEO who focuses on putting employees first, allowing employees to take ownership of their positions and making it easier for team members to feel connected to each other, their customers, and the company as a whole.
Zappos wants employees to have a great time every time they come to work, and they always encourage employees to express themselves and showcase their personalities.
Employees say:
“Amazing people, ability to do whatever it takes for the customer!”
“Benefits and culture are second to none”
“Company has a great culture and tries to bring everyone together”
8. Google
If you’re looking for good company culture examples, Google leads the pack. They offer incredible perks and benefits ranging from on-site laundry centers and childcare at their headquarters to the opportunity to work remotely whenever you want.
They do this to make their employees feel comfortable, happy, and cared for at all times.
But they always aim to hire people who will fit with their workplace culture from the get-go. That doesn’t mean they’re not regularly re-evaluating things and updating their culture to suit current employee values. They often check in with team members to make sure their needs are being met and they feel valued at work each day.
Employees say:
“You can’t find a more well-regarded company that actually deserves the hype it gets. Google cares about how it treats its employees”
“Super awesome work culture and people”
“We are literally changing the world”
9. REI
REI is the country’s leading outdoor gear retailer and one of the best work culture examples that other companies can learn from. The reason they’re so successful comes right down to their employees. They put effort into creating a great work culture that values employees as individuals and lets them use their personal experience to help customers better.
In recent years, they’ve also prioritized getting outside, and they encourage their employees to take time for volunteering in the community.
Inside the organization, they promote a relaxed workplace where people are allowed and encouraged to create friendships and communicate their concerns with upper management. This open communication helps create a sense of ownership among employees and makes it easier for corporate executives to understand what’s happening on the ground level.
The company also prioritizes offering high-quality benefits to both full and part-time staff members, including comprehensive health insurance, substantial employee discounts, and opportunities to earn free gear.
Employees say:
“CULTURE, DEALS, FLEXIBILITY, PAY -- enjoying it all. My managers really listen and take care of their staff and everyone has always been so helpful and welcoming!”
“The company treats employees well.”
“I can’t say enough great things about REI.”
10. Hireology
Hireology provides a streamlined platform for human resources departments and growing companies to help manage the talent acquisition and retention process. The company itself operates with a hybrid workforce, meaning that some employees work in their main office while others work entirely remotely.
Though the hybrid process creates some challenges for developing and maintaining great company culture, Hireology makes it work. They focus on incorporating video calls and conferences whenever possible, and take the time to get to know each employee regardless of where they work.
To bring the entire team together and encourage friendships among staff members, they also host company gatherings twice each year. Remote team members travel to their headquarters and get to interact with people they otherwise only see on a screen.
What makes them stand out as one of the best work culture examples is their commitment to empathy across the board. They do everything they can to encourage open communication and value each employee’s unique perspective, personality, and ambitions.
Employees say:
“Great culture and work atmosphere.”
“Hireology creates a collaborative environment that allows you to gain experiences across many departments while pushing you to become an expert at your own.”
“Hireology is the best place you'll ever work, so enjoy the experience.”
11. Zoom
Zoom is arguably the world’s leading video conferencing service, with clients ranging from small organizations to Fortune 500 companies. But it’s their team that makes their rapid growth sustainable. Zoom puts their employees’ happiness first, making it one of their prime missions as a company.
They routinely host events for employees to celebrate small milestones and bring the crew closer together. They even get remote workers in on the events whenever they can and require new hires to attend training at their company headquarters to ensure they understand and feel involved in its culture from the very beginning.
What sets their great company culture apart is their commitment to each employee’s growth and development. They encourage their employees to follow their passions and take the time to get to know them as people. They also take the time to get to know employees’ families and create friendships with them.
Even through rapid growth, development, and change, Zoom has never lost sight of its company culture.
Employees say:
“The culture here is outstanding as well as all the benefits they provide employees.”
“I truly feel safe, seen, and important in my role. I truly feel that everyone has each other's best interests at heart.”
“Everyone cares for each other immensely. If someone's having a rough time there are people who reach out and help.”
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Read more about the latest trends in workplace culture in our 2021 Global Culture Report
