{"id":5608,"date":"2015-09-17T14:31:11","date_gmt":"2015-09-17T13:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/eu-en\/?post_type=article&p=5608"},"modified":"2023-02-07T09:57:24","modified_gmt":"2023-02-07T09:57:24","slug":"igniting-a-sense-of-startup-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/eu-en\/research\/articles\/topics\/culture-talent\/igniting-a-sense-of-startup-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Igniting a Sense of Startup Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"
Startups have them all in spades, powering innovation, pushing boundaries and propelling the dramatic impact entrepreneurs have on the marketplace. They run their companies with heart and transparency, fueling a special kind of culture that has become the envy of established organizations searching for that same energy and vibe. Startups are small and nimble, and they like it that way. Because, let\u2019s face it: their unique, infectious culture makes it easy to get things done.<\/p>\n
But what happens when larger leading organizations want to activate more grit, authenticity and passion in their environments? How do \u201cintrapreneurs,\u201d the innovative team leaders and space-creators in big businesses, reconnect with that startup mindset without getting weighed down by the sheer scale of a large enterprise?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Is it possible to ignite an entrepreneurial spirit\u2014or reclaim\u2014a sense of \u201cstartup culture\u201d no matter what size the company?<\/p>\n
For the past year, turnstone has been asking these questions of entrepreneurs in startups and of intrapreneurs within ecosystems of large organizations. Our exploration of culture and its organic link to the physical workplace has produced compelling observations about shifting behaviors.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what we\u2019re learning about entrepreneurs looking to accelerate business results by leveraging their culture and space, and about intrapreneurs looking to reinvent the culture of their large organization.<\/p>\n
A casual, non-corporate environment, or what we\u2019re calling \u201cstartup culture,\u201d is a highly prized component of countless entrepreneurial ventures. It puts personalities on display and allows people to have fun together and work in ways that best suit them. This culture translates as \u201cunbuttoned and non-corporate\u201d\u2014a flexible, authentic environment that engages employees, allowing them to experience a sense of meaning and belonging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that space is a tool to build culture, engage human capital and, over time, improve a brand,\u201d says Kelly Ennis, founder and managing principal at Baltimore\u2019s The Verve Partnership, a client-focused architectural firm dedicated to marrying design-driven conversations and strategic business opportunities. As a designer, Ennis recognizes that achieving startup culture requires intentionality.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrand is more than just a logo on the wall or a certain color of paint. It\u2019s who you are at the heart and perhaps more importantly, who others think you are,\u201d says Ennis. \u201cCulture and identity are so intertwined, and that\u2019s where architects and designers can really help by providing a place that reflects and engages both of those things equally and authentically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam McBride, co-owner, RxBar, Chicago, recognizes the role space, culture and brand play in client relationships and company growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur protein bars only have six to eight ingredients. They\u2019re very clean and include only the highest quality ingredients. When we planned our office, we wanted to reflect the very thing we are delivering to the market, so we created a physical space that\u2019s really clean, modern and simple,\u201d explains McBride. \u201cOur customers can see that for us, quality and simplicity extend beyond what\u2019s inside the wrapper and into our daily surroundings. It\u2019s authentic because we\u2019re living what we sell.\u201d<\/p>\n
A recent study conducted by turnstone of over 500 small business owners confirmed this important connection. The study found that 80 percent of respondents recognize that physical space plays a direct role in fostering vibrant culture, while 90 percent stated that culture is not just a great perk but an important contributor to the success of the company.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re trying to appeal to people going beyond sawhorses and a door. To appeal to people who don\u2019t want to lose that edge, but who want some sense of organization, some sense of order. Not necessarily neat. But just not chaos.<\/p>Tom Polucci Director Interior Design, HOK<\/span><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n
Though small companies often start out with a cool office vibe, we\u2019ve learned that maintaining it over the long haul is more difficult\u2014especially once companies hire their 10th employee. As founders begin to worry about instituting norms, policies and procedures to keep their businesses running smoothly, some find that the pressures of growing a successful business curb the carefree nature they once had when approaching life in the office.<\/p>\n
At the same time, intrapreneurs within larger leading global organizations are feeling a similar, yet distinct, pressure to be more nimble and agile. And although well-appointed surroundings, ample resources and years of experiences separate them from some younger companies, intrapreneurs are like-minded in their willingness to challenge the status quo.<\/p>\n
Enrique Godreau III, senior vice president of development at UPGlobal, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities by spurring grassroots leadership and entrepreneurship, has spent years interacting with startups and innovative thinkers within large organizations. He notes that many financially successful companies continue down the path that first brought them to the \ntop, staying focused on optimizing their product or service offerings. Intrapreneurs, on the other hand, push boundaries and ask tough questions.<\/p>\n
\n
Turnstone recently conducted a survey with 515 companies employing no more than 100 people each.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t90\t\t\t\t%<\/sup><\/b>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
90 percent identify culture as foundational to the success of their companies<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t80\t\t\t\t%<\/sup><\/b>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
80 percent believe their physical environment plays a role in fostering vibrant culture<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t32\t\t\t\t%<\/sup><\/b>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
32 percent of Gen Y want to work in lounge postures<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n
\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so easy to believe that the way things are, are the way they\u2019re supposed to be. Intrapreneurs recognize that successful businesses have to be willing to question what they\u2019re doing today\u2014not merely to optimize what\u2019s been done in the past,\u201d says Godreau. \u201cHaving a vision for this kind of culture is not rebellious, it\u2019s disruptive. And pursuing this culture doesn\u2019t just authorize, but charges people, to be disruptive and authentic and innovative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Intrapreneurs also realize they are competing with startups to attract, retain and engage talent. Whether they lead teams in product development, HR, IT, marketing, sales or the C-suite itself, intrapreneurs know that if their spaces don\u2019t reflect cultural ideals, their organization won\u2019t stay ahead.<\/p>\n
\n
New Postures in Startup Cultures<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sitting in diverse postures, especially lounging, is an immediate cue to workers that the culture is different and more relaxed. Turnstone research has shown that offering employees choices of where and how they work and giving them control over their day is a pivotal component of startup culture. Encouraging a variety of postures is vital to creating an engaging workplace.<\/p>\nFusionary team members gather around Campfire Paper Table with glass top for impromptu collaboration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Alternative work postures can provide that freedom and help nurture a startup culture vibe. Turnstone research has revealed that of professionals aged 18\u201334 years, a whopping 32 percent prefer to work in lounge settings filled with ottomans, stools or other casual options that offer comfort and enhance productivity.<\/p>\n
Giving people the freedom to do what they want is a surefire way to drive culture. It\u2019s incredibly important and appeals to both a younger and older demographic. Giving people freedom, while also managing quality, goes a long way in ensuring your desired outcome.<\/p>Ryan WalshPartnerships Manager, MassChallenge<\/span><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n
Brian Hoffman, head of business development at Startx, a non-profit accelerator located in the heart of Silicon Valley, noted this trend with his own staff. \u201cWe wanted people to work upstairs in the space we had designed for them and at the desks we had installed for them to use, but people naturally wanted to be in lounge settings.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pace of today\u2019s office has also made standing-height tables and desks sought-after destinations, as teams iterate and think in snatches of time between meetings. Rather than settling in at seated workstations to respond to emails, we\u2019ve seen people regularly gravitate to height-adjustable tables or standing-height work surfaces where they can quickly move in and out of tasks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should you need a doctor\u2019s note to get a standing desk?\u201d asks J. Kelly Hoey, New York City-based angel investor, speaker and networking strategist. \u201cIf we want the best from our people, why don\u2019t we create a work environment that can evolve with changing workstyles? We should recognize that people work in different ways, and at different times of the day you might have different needs to be most effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Embracing a DIY Spirit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There\u2019s a strong link between curation and the \u201cdo-it-yourself\u201d spirit of many entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Whether applying unique choices in materiality or blanketing offices with artifacts that represent the founder\u2019s passions, entrepreneurs have ignited a race for the most exciting workplaces. They leverage social media photo sharing to highlight what they like and what inspires them, and then relentlessly pursue curating a space to match.<\/p>\nCampfire Slim Table, Skate Table and Footrest create a lounge environment that allows for easy collaboration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Dana Verbosh, interior designer for global design firm Gensler, shares a story about a young tech startup in Baltimore. Originally working from a basement, this client recently acquired space in an up-and-coming Baltimore neighborhood where they will occupy the third floor of \na 1900s theater building rich with architectural details and open 23-foot ceilings.<\/p>\n
She explains, \u201cThis group knows that being thoughtful about design helps move a space toward culture, so we\u2019re helping them curate reclaimed wood from old Baltimore row homes to create a one-of-a-kind feature wall and some other special pieces. Our job is to make sure we tell a visually compelling story while ensuring the space delivers commercial durability.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Getting Started<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What do these trends mean for entrepreneurs, people in real estate, space creators in larger organizations, facilities managers, incubators and disruptive thinkers everywhere? Is it really possible to ignite\u2014or reclaim\u2014a sense of \u201cstartup culture\u201d in your workplace?<\/p>\n
We believe the answer is, \u201cAbsolutely.\u201d Here\u2019s how you can get started:<\/p>\n
Tip #1: Make Space Reflect Culture<\/h3>\n
Push the envelope with materiality and choose progressive finishes to create an energetic vibe or a warm, residential feel with commercial-grade quality. Embrace a DIY spirit by adding unique statement pieces into your space that reflect your inner-artist and put your passions on display.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are trying to express themselves. To create an identity. To define a brand. And it manifests itself in the space and the collection of objects they curate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Polucci \nDirector, Interior Design, HOK<\/p>\n
Tip #2: Champion Disruption<\/h3>\n
Support the intrapreneurs in your ecosystem by giving them a space devoted to unleashed creativity and true freedom to innovate. If possible, physically move intrapreneurs away to help activate a new sense of startup culture. Champion their disruptions as vehicles that will move you toward a stronger, more relevant company.<\/p>\n
\u201cIntrapreneurs communicate their new ideas with flip charts, post-it notes and drawings. You need a space that supports this kind of interaction. You need a space to showcase all these things so the innovators can tell the story of how their ideas will come to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Enrique Godreau III \nSenior Vice President, Development, UPGlobal \nA non-profit dedicated to strengthening communities by spurring grassroots leadership and entrepreneurship<\/em><\/p>\n
Tip #3: Embrace Authenticity and Agility<\/h3>\n
Add lounge spaces and standing-height elements to to complement ergonomic seating.Send the message that you trust and support your team to choose the places and postures that best encourage productivity and focus for them. Intentionally design other spaces that promote quiet, collaboration and fun, so that people can truly love the way they work.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most popular areas are the caf\u00e9s, which are more like casual bistros with lounge areas. When it comes to ideation and teams working together, casual gathering opportunities are more powerful and more effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Benjamin Dyett \nCo-Founder, Grind \nA Chicago and NYC-based coworking facility dedicated to creating \u201cfrictionless\u201d work experiences<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Is it really possible to ignite\u2014or reclaim\u2014a sense of \u201cstartup culture\u201d in your workplace? With focused intentionality, passionate determination and a little spunk, we believe the answer is, \u201cAbsolutely.\u201d Here are some tips to get you started.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3427,"featured_media":5610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"topic":[15589],"class_list":["post-5608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-culture-talent"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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