People are the heart of any company. And in SMEs, where teams are usually small and relationships closer, business culture becomes a decisive factor for the proper functioning of the business. It is not only about motivating workers, but about building a shared identity, where everyone feels part of a common project.
A solid business culture allows attracting talent, retaining the best professionals, improving the work environment and strengthening competitiveness. And the best part, it does not require large investments, but rather willingness, consistency and commitment from management.
The importance of shared values
Every company has a way of doing things, a personality that is transmitted in relationships with customers, in the way of working, in the decisions that are made. That is its culture and this culture must be sustained by clear values shared by the entire team.
Values such as trust, responsibility, respect, innovation or collaboration cannot remain on a poster on the wall, they must be present in daily life. When values are lived, they create internal coherence and a sense of purpose.
How to define the values of an SME?
Through meetings or sessions with the team, to identify what defines the company. Paying attention to what the staff thinks, what they value about work, what they believe distinguishes the company. In this way, these values are converted into concrete actions.
Good internal communication practices
Internal communication is the thread that connects all parts of the company. It is key to generating trust, avoiding rumors, aligning objectives and creating an atmosphere of transparency.
In SMEs, where there are not always specific human resources or communication departments, it is even more important to take care of this area.
Good practices that work:
- Brief and regular meetings, where the entire team knows where the company is going and can contribute ideas.
- Clear channels to report changes, achievements, objectives or difficulties.
- Active listening spaces, where staff can express proposals or concerns without fear.
Rituals and dynamics that unite the team
Beyond daily tasks, shared moments shape a company’s culture. There is no need to think of large events: small rituals or dynamics can have a great impact on motivation and team cohesion.
Examples of simple but effective rituals:
- Celebrating anniversaries or personal and professional achievements.
- Starting the week with a brief meeting to set priorities and share motivation.
- Organizing a monthly coffee to talk informally about how the company is doing.
- Creating recognition spaces (for example, highlighting a positive action by a colleague each month).
These small initiatives generate a sense of belonging and strengthen the bonds between people who work together.
Business culture is not imposed: it is built day by day. And in SMEs, where proximity is an advantage, it is possible to develop a culture based on trust, honest communication and shared values.
At the Economic Office of Galicia we encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to put people at the center, to take care of their identity as an organization and to create spaces where each team member feels that they are part of a project with purpose.
Because a company with culture is a company with soul. And that, in such a changing world, makes the difference.
