Good Employment Week: Why workplace culture matters

As a proud member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, creating a workplace built on fairness, inclusion and opportunity, where colleagues feel heard, valued and supported, is at the heart of how we work. 

Why workplace culture matters

When people think about good employment, they often think about pay, benefits, flexible working or career development opportunities. These things matter enormously. But workplace culture is what brings them to life. 

Why is that important?

The CIPD highlights that strong organisational cultures help employees understand their organisation and feel their voice matters in driving a shared purpose, while Acas emphasises the importance of supportive management, wellbeing and positive working relationships in creating healthy and productive workplaces. 

This reinforces the view that positive workplace cultures help people contribute ideas, collaborate effectively and perform at their best. 

Building a workplace where people belong 

At the Growth Company, creating a positive workplace culture means giving colleagues opportunities to shape the organisation, develop their careers and feel a sense of belonging.

Through colleague networks, wellbeing initiatives, learning and development opportunities, leadership development, and regular opportunities for feedback and engagement, we work to create a workplace where people feel connected to our purpose and empowered to make a difference. 

More than 200 colleagues have participated in our mentoring programme, while our EDI networks play an active role in shaping policies, campaigns and colleague initiatives across the organisation. 

This commitment is reflected in our 5★ WorkBuzz employee engagement rating, an engagement score of 82%, Investors in People Gold accreditation and a reduction in turnover among underrepresented groups. 
 
Helping employers build good workplace cultures

The benefits of a positive workplace culture extend beyond our own organisation. Through our employer engagement, workforce development and business support activity, we work with employers to help them build inclusive workplaces, develop their people and attract talent from diverse backgrounds.

Our work with Capricorn Security is a powerful example of how inclusive approaches can help break down barriers and unlock new talent. Through Aspire in Partnership, we developed a bespoke training and recruitment programme to help unemployed women access opportunities in the security sector, addressing gender imbalance in a traditionally male-dominated industry. All 12 participants completed training, achieved SIA accreditation and secured employment. This targeted intervention not only improved gender representation but also demonstrated how strategic partnerships can break down industry stereotypes and unlock new talent pipelines.

Supporting the Good Employment Charter

This Good Employment Week, we're proud to join employers across Greater Manchester in celebrating the cultures that help people thrive.

Join the conversation and reflect on the role culture plays in creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.

Find out more about Good Employment Week and the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.