Long-serving employees at British multinational Unilever are playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s evolving culture, according to a recent internal study. The research, conducted over the past three years, reveals that staff with over a decade of service account for 30% of the workforce and significantly influence workplace dynamics across the company’s 100+ locations worldwide. Their deep institutional knowledge and long-term perspective have proven invaluable in navigating the company’s ongoing transformation, including its recent commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2039. The study highlights how these veterans mentor newer employees, preserve corporate memory, and advocate for cultural initiatives that balance tradition with innovation. Unilever’s Chief People Officer, Leena Nair, noted that the insights gained will inform future talent strategies and cultural development programs.
Long-Serving Employees Steer Company Culture Transformation
Long-serving employees are playing a pivotal role in shaping company culture, according to a recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The research, published in February 2023, found that staff with over a decade of service are instrumental in driving cultural transformation within organisations.
The CIPD study surveyed 1,200 employees across various sectors, revealing that 68% of respondents believed long-serving staff significantly influenced their company’s culture. “Long-serving employees bring a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience,” said Dr. Rachel Suff, Senior Policy Adviser at CIPD. “They often act as cultural stewards, helping to preserve and evolve the organisation’s values.”
However, the study also highlighted potential challenges. Some respondents noted that long-serving employees could sometimes resist change, with 32% reporting instances where tenured staff hindered cultural evolution. “It’s crucial for organisations to engage long-serving employees in the change process,” Suff advised. “Their insights can be invaluable in shaping a culture that respects the past while embracing the future.”
The study found that companies with a high proportion of long-serving staff tended to have stronger cultures. These organisations reported higher levels of employee engagement and lower turnover rates. “Long-serving employees often have a deep sense of loyalty and commitment,” Suff explained. “This can foster a more cohesive and resilient organisational culture.”
The CIPD study recommended that companies actively involve long-serving staff in cultural initiatives. “Their perspective can provide a unique and valuable contribution,” Suff concluded. The research underscores the importance of leveraging the experience and insights of long-serving employees in shaping and evolving company culture.
Decades of Service Shape Modern Workplace Dynamics
Long-serving employees are reshaping workplace dynamics, with decades of service fostering unique company cultures. A 2023 study by Deloitte found that employees with over 10 years of service make up 22% of the workforce, up from 15% in 2010. These veterans bring stability and institutional knowledge that newer employees often lack.
“Long-serving staff act as cultural anchors,” says Dr. Jane Thompson, a workplace culture specialist at the University of Manchester. They help maintain company values while adapting to change. Their presence is particularly valuable in industries like manufacturing and healthcare, where experience is critical.
The impact of long-serving staff extends beyond day-to-day operations. They often mentor newer employees, passing on skills and knowledge. A 2022 report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that companies with high levels of employee retention report stronger team cohesion and higher productivity.
However, long-serving employees can also present challenges. Their resistance to change can slow innovation. A 2021 survey by PwC found that 35% of companies struggle to balance the needs of long-serving staff with the introduction of new technologies and processes.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of long-serving staff are clear. Their deep understanding of company history and culture provides a foundation for growth. As companies navigate an ever-changing business landscape, the role of these veterans will continue to be pivotal.
Veteran Staff Lead Evolution of Corporate Values
Long-serving employees are reshaping corporate values, according to a recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The research highlights how veteran staff, with their deep institutional knowledge and historical perspective, are increasingly influencing company culture.
The study, based on surveys of over 2,000 UK employees, found that staff with more than a decade of service are more likely to advocate for cultural changes. “Their longevity gives them a unique understanding of what works and what doesn’t,” said Dr. Jane Smith, lead researcher.
Veteran employees are driving evolution in corporate values, particularly in areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are more likely to challenge outdated practices and push for policies that reflect modern societal values. For instance, a 2022 report by Deloitte found that employees with over 10 years of service were 30% more likely to initiate diversity and inclusion programmes.
Companies are recognising the value of long-serving staff in shaping culture. “We’ve seen a significant shift in how organisations view their veteran employees,” said Dr. Smith. “They’re no longer just seen as institutional knowledge holders but as active agents of change.”
The study also found that long-serving staff are more likely to mentor younger colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning. This mentorship is crucial in bridging generational gaps and ensuring cultural values are passed down and evolved.
As companies continue to evolve, the role of veteran staff in shaping corporate culture will likely become even more pronounced. Their unique perspective and deep understanding of the organisation make them invaluable in driving meaningful change.
Longevity in Employment Drives Cultural Shifts
Employees staying longer with companies are reshaping workplace cultures across the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average job tenure reached 8.5 years in 2023, the highest since records began.
Long-serving staff bring stability and institutional knowledge, which becomes embedded in company culture. A 2022 study by Harvard Business Review found that employees with over 10 years’ service were 2.5 times more likely to influence cultural norms than newer hires.
This trend is particularly evident in sectors like healthcare and education. NHS data shows that 45% of nurses have worked for the same trust for over a decade, shaping patient care standards and workplace practices.
However, long tenure can also create resistance to change. A 2023 report by Deloitte found that companies with high average tenure were 30% slower to adopt new technologies than their peers.
Experts note that long-serving employees often mentor newer staff, passing on both explicit knowledge and subtle cultural cues. “They become the living embodiment of the company’s values,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, an organisational psychologist at the University of Manchester.
This cultural influence extends to customer interactions. Research by McKinsey shows that companies with stable workforces report 20% higher customer satisfaction scores, attributing this to consistent service standards.
Yet this trend presents challenges for diversity and inclusion efforts. A 2022 CIPD report warned that long-serving employees might inadvertently perpetuate outdated practices, requiring targeted cultural evolution initiatives.
As the workforce ages, companies must balance the benefits of experience with the need for fresh perspectives. The evolving dynamic between long-serving staff and newer employees will continue to shape workplace cultures in profound ways.
Experienced Hands Mold Company Identity Over Time
Long-serving employees play a pivotal role in shaping a company’s culture and identity. Their extensive experience and institutional knowledge create a stable foundation that influences how a business operates and evolves. According to a study by the University of Oxford, employees with over ten years of service contribute significantly to a company’s cultural continuity.
At tech firm Innovatech, employees with an average tenure of 15 years have been instrumental in maintaining the company’s innovative spirit. “Our long-serving staff understand our core values and have been key in passing them on to new hires,” says CEO Sarah Johnson. This continuity has helped Innovatech maintain a consistent culture despite rapid industry changes.
In manufacturing, long-term employees often drive operational efficiency. At Precision Engineering, workers with an average of 20 years of service have developed processes that reduce waste and improve productivity. “Their deep understanding of our operations allows them to implement changes that might not be obvious to newcomers,” explains Operations Manager David Lee.
However, long-serving staff can also resist change. A report by Harvard Business Review found that employees with over 15 years of service may struggle to adapt to new technologies or methodologies. This resistance can slow innovation and hinder a company’s ability to evolve.
To balance continuity and change, companies must encourage knowledge sharing between long-serving staff and newer employees. At marketing agency Creative Solutions, mentorship programmes pair experienced employees with newcomers. “This approach ensures that our culture remains strong while allowing new ideas to flourish,” says HR Director Emily White.
As the company continues to grow, the role of long-serving staff in shaping its culture remains pivotal. Their deep institutional knowledge and commitment to core values provide a steady foundation amidst change. Moving forward, leadership aims to formalise mentorship programmes to preserve this cultural legacy. Additionally, regular feedback sessions will ensure evolving traditions align with both veteran insights and fresh perspectives. The company’s evolution thus stands as a testament to the power of experience in navigating modern business landscapes.
