Maintaining a positive company culture has presented a significant challenge for business leaders across all industries during the course of 2020. “A positive workplace is more successful over time because it increases positive emotions and well-being. This, in turn, improves people’s relationships with each other and amplifies their abilities and their creativity. It buffers against negative experiences such as stress, thus improving employees’ ability to bounce back from challenges and difficulties while bolstering their health. And, it attracts employees, making them more loyal to the leader and to the organization as well as bringing out their best strengths.” Finding new and inventive ways to bring teams together and keep individuals productive has become a daily task, with varying degrees of success. However, a positive culture is far too important to leave to chance.

• Replace fear and unease by refocusing the conversation
• Practice compassion
• Look to others as mentors
• Conduct regular check-ins with employees
• Maintain a sense of teamwork
• Create a culture of honesty and transparency
• Don't make assumptions
• Set clear departmental goals
• Promote the organization's goals
• Promote diversity and inclusivity
• Allow for humor
• Prioritize respect
• Establish a strict zero tolerance policy
• Create an employee recognition program
• Accept and utilize your employee's feedback
• Help everyone understand how they contribute
• Develop leadership skills
• Focus on development
• Get everyone together
• Make communication a priority
• Reinforce the important ideas consistently

At Winn, we implemented the Fish Philosophy many years ago as a way to bring a positive and enriching culture to our business. “The FISH! Philosophy empowers employees to be more effective in any job. When a team lives the philosophy, they improve their culture and create better results. Organizations worldwide use the FISH! Philosophy to improve teamwork, customer service, employee engagement, retention, recognition and leadership.” Traditionally we host a variety of fun activities and parties in the office on a regular basis. While many of us are working from home and managing remote teams, we have come together to keep this philosophy alive despite the current challenges.