As a CEO, COO, HR, Manager, or VP, you know how important company culture is. It impacts everything from employee morale to productivity, innovation to customer satisfaction. But how long does it actually take to build a successful and sustainable culture? Is it something that can be built in a few weeks, months, or does it take years? Grab a coffee, sit back and let's tick-tock our way through the process.

Tick-tock. Here's the first statistic for you - according to a study by Deloitte, it takes at least 3-5 years to build a strong and positive company culture. That's right, 3-5 years. This timeline can vary based on the size of the organization, the level of commitment, and the resources available. And it takes more than simply writing a fancy mission statement or having cool Happy Hours to build a strong workplace culture. It's all about building a cohesive set of values, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences that everyone in the organization knows, lives by and helps create. Culture takes time, effort, and patience.

Tick-tock. Another interesting number to focus on is the 90-day rule. It is believed that within first 90 days of a new employee's time with the company, they will decide whether to stay long term or to move on. This can be seen as the trial period for employees to acclimate to the company's culture. This means that onboarding and training processes should be tailored in a way that represents the company culture and what the company expects from its employees.

Tick-tock. Culture is not just an HR initiative-- everyone in the organization holds a seat at the table. Management should lead the way and keep the culture alive by practicing what they preach, leading with their actions, and making sure everyone sets and meets culture-based goals. Employees should be encouraged to take ownership and invest in the culture. Keeping employees engaged and involved is key to fulfilling the company’s long-term cultural ambitions.

Tick-tock. As you may have already guessed, there's no one specific answer to the question of how long it takes to create a company culture. Each year presents new opportunities and new challenges.

Year 1: During the first year of building a company culture, it is vital to communicate company values and goals to employees, ensure everyone is on the same page, and start promoting a sense of belongingness within the organization. According to studies, only 59% of employees understand their company's goals and strategies, while only 40% are engaged at work. Therefore, it is important to start developing a company culture that promotes both employee engagement and organizational success.

Year 2: The second year of building a company culture is all about expanding and embedding the culture. During this year, it is essential to craft a strong employer brand and use it effectively to attract top talent. It is also recommended to start celebrating company achievements and milestones to promote a culture of gratitude and appreciation. 

Year 3: By the third year, the company culture should be more established and integrated with operations. During this year, it is recommended to improve feedback, empower employees and build a culture of transparency. It is essential to ensure that the company culture is aligned with day-to-day activities, people management, and employee performance evaluation. 

Year 4: In the fourth year, the company culture should be thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the organization. During this year, it is recommended to start developing social impact initiatives. It is important to ensure that employee recognition programs are well designed and promote the right behaviors. 

In a nutshell, constructing a positive corporate culture demands time, effort, and unwavering commitment from leadership. But trust us, the rewards are worth their weight in gold. A solid culture can enhance employee engagement and retention, lure in top talent, and amplify revenue. By putting your mission and core values in the spotlight, offering growth and development opportunities, and rewarding successes, companies can create a work environment that people don’t want to leave. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is corporate culture. But with patience and the right ingredients, it can yield remarkable results in the long run.

About Betsy: Featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC, Betsy Allen-Manning is a leadership keynote speaker, workplace culture expert, and best-selling author who helps executives and HR leaders strengthen employee engagement, improve retention, and prepare for the future of work. Betsy’s thought leadership and original research in the National Workplace Trends Study and the Destination Workplace™ framework equips organizations with data-driven strategies to build cultures where people apply, engage, contribute, and stay. She is also the founder of an award-winning company known for providing top leadership training in Dallas, and is recognized for advancing leadership excellence and driving workplace culture transformations worldwide.