Improving Companies and Communities with a People-First Culture

When companies invest in culture, they typically expect a return on their investment in profitability. A strong culture drives higher employee engagement and empowers better decision-making, both of which improve productivity. Culture is also attractive, drawing in top talent and customers while engendering loyalty in both. 

However, culture's impact can extend far beyond the workplace. When culture inspires people to perform at a higher level, it can also pay dividends in homes and communities. 

“Companies that pour positive values into their employees can be the most powerful force for good in the world,” says Iggy Domagalski, CEO of Wajax. “You think of other institutions like churches or community groups that engage with people for maybe two hours a week yet have a profound impact on their lives. Friendships, which also might involve a few hours a week, are another influence. But companies have employees as a captive audience for maybe 40 hours a week. If they send people home happy and fulfilled, they pour positive energy back into their families and communities. Or it can work the opposite way, with companies sending people home fearful, angry, resentful, scared, and anxious.” 

Wajax is one of Canada’s longest-standing and most diversified industrial products and services provider, serving clients with expert solutions for over 165 years. It is a coast-to-coast supplier of products, services, and support for the manufacturing, mining, construction, forestry, and other industries that form the heart of Canada’s economy. 

Wajax is also a company committed to a culture of empowerment. Its driving purpose is to empower people to build a better tomorrow and position them to leave a legacy of positive change in the people and places it serves. 

Fueling long-term business success with a people-first culture 

The type of culture Domagalski and Wajax are building is commonly described as “people-first.” It focuses on supporting the well-being and satisfaction of employees, believing people are a company’s most valuable asset, and they are more effective when they are more engaged.  

“A supported workforce is a successful workforce,” Domagalski says. “By prioritizing employee well-being and safety, companies ensure their teams can perform at their best while keeping their sights set on customer outcomes. Employees who feel secure and valued are better equipped to go above and beyond for the customers they serve.” 

A people-first culture also prioritizes growth and development opportunities. Training and mentorship are hallmarks of this approach, opening doors for employees to grow their skills and advance in their careers. The company benefits from a more capable workforce that is ready and able to adapt to evolving business needs. 

“When you foster a culture of curiosity, learning, and risk taking, you become a company that is always seeking new ways to better serve customers, employees, and partners,” Domagalski shares. “A people-first culture drives innovation by creating a culture that doesn’t shy away from making mistakes and learning from them.” 

Fostering strong community improvement with a people-first culture 

Employees who experience a people-first culture also become instruments for positive growth outside of the workplace. They also bring a greater sense of purpose to the world as they come to appreciate the value of setting meaningful goals and working together to accomplish them. 

Companies can kick-start community involvement by modeling what it looks like to invest outside of the workplace for their employees. Highlighting and supporting charities is a great way to do that, which can include giving employees time to use in service to a nonprofit. 

“The communities that companies serve are more than just markets,” Domagalski says. “They’re where employees live and engage with friends and neighbors. A people-first culture helps employees to see they have a responsibility to care for their communities, giving back in whatever manner is meaningful for them.” 

A people-first culture prioritizes the need for respect and empathy in the workplace. It shows employees that they are valued as individuals who bring unique gifts, perspectives, and contributions. It also extends empathy to employees by acknowledging that what is happening in their lives outside of the workplace is just as important as what is happening on the job. 

As the values of respect and empathy take root in the workplace, they ripple outward. Employees leave the office with the mindset that everyone they encounter has value. As a result, they become catalysts of positive change in the community.