Culture is key in today’s marketplace
Chair's Message
Ben Ellingson, CPA, CGMA | April 2020 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated April 1, 2020
Like many of you, this is a busy time of year for me. I spend much of my time traveling around Minnesota and neighboring states to visit with clients and other connections. Along with the enjoyment I get from it, traveling is also a great chance for me to hear the opportunities and challenges businesses are facing.
Lately, one common theme has risen to the top: the challenge of recruiting and retaining employees. From recent graduates just joining the workforce to experienced hires, competition is high for the best and brightest individuals available. Companies continue to look for creative ways to stand out and show why they are the best choice in a marketplace. But, at times, they forget to highlight one thing that is intricately woven throughout their organization: Their culture.
A company’s culture is the key element to building a great work environment. Sure, it can be captured in the corporate mission and vision statement and should be present in the guiding principles of an organization; however, simply documenting what you want your culture to be won’t make it happen — it needs to be part of your everyday life. Your actions should be defined by it, decisions made with it in mind, and systems should be developed to foster it. After all, your culture will likely be the first thing someone thinks of when asked about you, particularly among those who are entering the profession.
From Worthington to Grand Marais, Rochester to Fargo and everywhere in between, culture is paramount. As a partner in Eide Bailly LLP’s Mankato office, I see firsthand how far cultivating culture can go.
Creating an environment in which team members feel truly connected to an organization and to each other drives a strong culture. If effective, you see employee engagement and satisfaction increase; you won’t miss that feeling of a supportive and trusting atmosphere. This can happen in a variety of ways, but here are a few things to consider:
- Have you created an environment where people can be themselves and put their passions to work?
- Are there opportunities for employees to get involved inside the company in areas that interest them? How about in the community or other areas outside the company?
- Think about how your employees communicate their ideas. Do they feel like they’re heard?
- What about fun? Whether you host social gatherings, group volunteer efforts or maybe company-sponsored sports teams, consider how you can promote a fun environment!
As you continue to strategize on recruiting and retention efforts, don’t forget to ask yourself: Have I created an environment that makes people want to come to work each day?
Looking forward to the year
As I look forward to the next year as the new MNCPA board chair, I must take a moment to thank Rachel Polson for her leadership this past year at the head of the table. She’s left a remarkable path to follow and I hope I can live up to the expectations she set forth. And, as all my predecessors have shared in this space, I look forward to connecting with MNCPA members at events in the next 12 months.
Ben Ellingson, CPA, CGMA
Chair, MNCPA board of directors
boardchair@mncpa.org
