Culture is how employees feel about Monday morning

“Culture is how employee's hearts and stomachs feel about Monday morning on Sunday Night.”

Bill Marklein

Have you ever felt a pit in your stomach as Sunday night approaches, dreading the thought of waking up for work on Monday morning? If so, you are not alone. Many employees feel this way, and it can be a sign that their workplace culture is not as positive or fulfilling as it could be.

According to Bill Marklein, the health of a company’s culture can be gauged by how employees feel about the coming workweek. If Sunday nights are filled with anxiety and dread, it may indicate that the company culture needs improvement. On the other hand, if employees feel excited and energised about the week ahead, it may be a sign that the culture is thriving.

So how can you create a positive and fulfilling workplace culture? A few practical places to start are:

• Emphasise work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks, unplug from work, and prioritise their well-being.
• Foster a sense of belonging. Create a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued and respected. This can include team-building activities, open-door policies, and opportunities for growth and development.
• Encourage transparency and open communication. Open and honest communication helps build trust. Encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas, and be transparent about company decisions and plans.
• Recognise and reward hard work. Show employees that their contributions are appreciated through recognition, bonuses, promotions, or other appropriate forms of reward.
• Lead by example. Model the behaviour you want to see: be reliable, positive, supportive, and principled.

A positive and fulfilling workplace culture benefits employees and can also affect the success of the business. When employees are happy and engaged, they can be more productive, innovative, and committed to the organisation’s success.

If you are feeling those Sunday-night blues, take a closer look at your workplace culture and identify one change you can make. With sustained effort, you can create a workplace that people look forward to returning to on Monday morning.