In today’s fiercely competitive government contracting world, developing a thriving workplace culture has emerged as a pivotal factor for organizational success. As companies vie for talent and strive for sustainable growth, the significance of a positive work environment cannot be overstated.
This month, The Washington Post unveiled its list of Top Workplaces for the 2024 year, shedding light on companies that excel not only in their respective industries but also in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. Among the standout organizations, AMSG emerged as a shining example, embodying a culture centered around care, community, and thoughtfulness for its employees and by extension, its clients and community at large. So, what constitutes a healthy workplace culture and why is it important? Here are several factors to consider when building a winning workplace culture:
- Employee Engagement: A positive workplace culture fosters engagement, making employees feel motivated and committed to their work. When people feel valued and connected to their workplace, they’re more likely to give their best effort and contribute to an entire organization’s success. AMSG places a strong emphasis on engagement – President and CEO Jim O’Farrell regularly engages with employees through personal text messages, his signature Java with Jim sessions, and the company’s quarterly town hall meetings.
- Employee Well-Being: Workplace culture impacts employee well-being, including mental and emotional health. A supportive culture prioritizes work-life balance and provides resources for stress management. To promote work-life balance, Jim instituted the AMSG Cares Hobby Program, contributing $1,000 toward team members’ extracurricular activities outside of work.
- Alignment with Values and Goals: A strong culture reinforces the company’s values and goals. When everyone shares a common vision and understands how their work contributes to larger objectives, it creates a sense of purpose and direction. Working with government agencies to fulfill today’s most pressing missions, AMSG strives to live by its values: the six C’s – Competence, Courage, Compassion, Character, Communication, and Community.
- Customer Satisfaction: A positive workplace culture often translates into better customer experiences. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to deliver excellent service, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Effective leadership plays a fundamental role in cultivating these elements and shaping the ethos of a workplace. Becoming AMSG’s President and CEO just three years ago, Jim set a new tone for the organization the day he walked in the door, prioritizing the well-being and professional development of every team member.
“From his book, A CEO Only Does Three Things, Trey Taylor teaches Culture is something you cannot see but is always there and you constantly need to nurture. My primary role as the CEO is to align corporate culture with the underlying shared values of our people — that is what creates your culture. I believe AMSG’s efforts to create an exceptional culture based on the 6 Cs, is our most competitive advantage,” says Jim.
“AMSG brings first class leadership into the world. It is the golden standard for leadership that needs to be emulated throughout all organizations,” says AMSG’s Knowledge Management Analyst Penieli Vaisagote. “Jim has shown me personally and professionally what leadership and putting its people first look like. AMSG inspires me to be a good leader in my footprint, and I hope that I am an example and a good representation of AMSG Leadership on a daily basis.”
“AMSG’s Leadership is a collective group of people that’s touched me in so many ways. There are so many things I can list but, I’ll say this. Jim is the true definition of a Leader! Jim is building a team of leaders and I am proud to be a part of the pack,” says AMSGer Alana Prince. “AMSG is excellence with compassion and the commitment to build a community of employees, really family, that strives to accomplish what no other company has ever done before. What Jim does for the culture within AMSG…there is NO CEO that can compare.”
Investing in culture pays dividends not only in employee satisfaction but also in driving growth and long-term success. As organizations seek to develop a winning workplace culture, AMSG’s blueprint serves as an example in today’s competitive business and federal contracting landscapes. By prioritizing employees, fostering a sense of belonging, and conducting business with integrity and empathy, AMSG sets the bar for workplace culture excellence.
Written by: Juania Owens