There is a famous quote that says, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
It’s a quote that gets used often – and for good reason. You can have the smartest business plan in the world, but if your people don’t buy into it, it won’t go far. Culture is what drives behaviour when no one’s watching. It’s the silent force behind performance, engagement, and innovation.
And now, more than ever, it’s HR’s time to support the charge.
Culture Is the Real Competitive Edge
Strategy sets the direction. Culture shapes how fast (and how well) you get there.
A recent Deloitte UK report found that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is crucial to business success1. Yet, fewer than one in three feel their culture is actively managed. That’s a huge gap.
Culture isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore. It’s a business essential. Especially in a world where employees are re-evaluating what matters most – from purpose and wellbeing to inclusion and psychological safety.
Engagement Is Culture in Action
When culture clicks, people feel engaged. And engaged employees are more productive, loyal, and creative.
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024 reports that only 11% of UK workers are actively engaged – well below the global average2. That’s not just disappointing. It’s costly. Low engagement costs the UK economy billions each year in lost productivity.
Strong cultures don’t happen by accident. They’re shaped intentionally, and this is where HR plays a central role.
HR: The Architects of Culture
For culture to thrive, HR needs to be at the heart of the conversation – not just managing processes, but influencing behaviours and the board.
This means:
- Defining and communicating clear values
- Hiring and promoting based on cultural fit and contribution
- Training leaders to role-model the right behaviours
- Listening to employee feedback – and acting on it
- Designing employee experiences that align with purpose
- Impacting board direction.
It also means moving beyond box-ticking engagement surveys. Real culture transformation takes deep listening, consistent action, and a tailored approach – not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Transformation Takes Partnership
Culture is everyone’s responsibility – but it starts with leadership and is shaped by HR.
Forward-thinking organisations are investing in cultural transformation programmes that link people strategy with business outcomes. From diagnosing cultural blockers to embedding new ways of working, these initiatives help align values with day-to-day reality.
They’re also seeking expert support to guide the process – especially when it comes to re-engaging teams, navigating change, or integrating culture post-merger.
Final Thought
Culture beats strategy every time. But it needs shaping, nurturing, and championing. And that’s where HR can truly lead.
If your organisation is ready to prioritise culture and boost engagement, now’s the time to take the next step. To find out more, get in touch – our specialist, Sarah King, can help guide your business through meaningful cultural transformation.
Because when people thrive, strategy follows.
