Why Company Culture Matters in the Home Building Industry: Creating Positive Energy in Uncertain Times
Lately, my phone has been ringing a lot more than usual. Messages, calls, and even LinkedIn pings from Online Sales Counselors (OSCs) some I’ve worked with in the past —and even more I’ve never met—are coming in. The topic? New opportunities. Many are reaching out because they’re feeling stuck, undervalued, or frustrated within their current companies. Some are in environments clouded by uncertainty due to layoffs or organizational changes. It’s a reminder of just how critical company culture is, especially during challenging times.
If you’re a leader in the home building industry, this is your wake-up call. The way you approach your team, and your culture right now can make or break your company’s future.
HERE’S WHY:
The Power of a Positive Environment
We all know the home building industry is cyclical. There are boom times when everything feels great, and there are downturns that test the strength of your team and your leadership. During those tough times, culture becomes even more important. A positive work environment doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges; it means creating a space where your team feels supported, informed, and valued no matter what’s going on externally.
Think about it: your team’s energy affects everything—from how they interact with customers to how they collaborate internally. If negativity and uncertainty creep in, it’s going to ripple outwards, impacting productivity, morale, and ultimately your bottom line.
But if you focus on fostering positive energy and open communication, you create a space where people want to stay, grow, and thrive—even when times are tough.
Open Communication Builds Trust
One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is keeping their team in the dark during times of change. If you’re reorganizing, don’t let rumors fill the silence. Be transparent about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it will impact the team.
Share your vision and invite feedback. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of a strong culture.
When people feel included and heard, they’re more likely to buy into the process, even if it’s difficult. On the flip side, when they feel ignored or blindsided, frustration builds. And frustrated employees are the ones who start looking for greener pastures.
Recognize and Value Your People
Here’s a hard truth: if you don’t show your team that you value them, someone else will. And you might end up losing the very people who could help you navigate these tough times.
Recognition doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple “thank you,” a shoutout during a team meeting, or a note acknowledging someone’s hard work can go a long way. It’s about showing your team that you see them, you appreciate them, and you’re in this together.
Avoiding the Cost of Neglect
When companies fail to create a positive environment, the cost is high. The wrong people quit. Frustration takes over. Productivity and morale plummet. And in a worst-case scenario, you’re left scrambling to rebuild a team that has already checked out emotionally or walked out the door physically.
As someone who has spent two decades watching the ebbs and flows of the building industry, I can tell you this: culture is everything. The way you treat your team today will determine whether they stick with you tomorrow. And when you’re ready to ride the next wave of growth, you’ll need them by your side.
What Can You Do Right Now?
- Be Transparent: Communicate openly about challenges, changes, and the company’s direction. Keep the lines of communication open.
- Ask for Feedback: Create opportunities for your team to share their thoughts and ideas. Listen to them.
- Recognize Effort: Celebrate wins, big and small. Let your team know they matter.
- Foster Connection: Build relationships within your team. The more connected they feel to each other and the company, the stronger your culture will be.
The home building industry will always have its ups and downs. The key to weathering the storms is creating a culture where your team feels supported, valued, and energized. When you focus on building that kind of environment, you’re not just surviving the downturns—you’re setting your company up to thrive when the next boom comes around.