The Hidden Cost of Complacency: Why Culture Matters More Than Ever

When students graduate college and begin to envision their careers, rarely do they picture themselves in a workplace where their greatest act of creativity is choosing which coffee to drink during their break. Most choose their majors based on the growth potential in their field and aspire to contribute meaningfully to a company’s vision—ideally becoming a part of that company’s evolution and success.

While not every graduate may chase these exact aspirations, few, if any, enter the workforce expecting to become passive participants in the daily grind. And yet, that’s where many end up—disengaged, disheartened, and dulled. This isn’t because people stop dreaming. It’s often because they find themselves in environments devoid of vision, training, and camaraderie.

I don’t believe any company sets out to become this kind of place. But somewhere along the way—through neglect, complacency, or careless leadership—bad habits begin to form. With a large enough group of people, those habits solidify into norms. And over time, those norms become culture. Whether that culture turns toxic or positive depends entirely on the intention and discipline behind the daily actions that shape it.

The same principle applies to individuals. Our habits become our reality. If we’re not mindful, our routines begin to define us. For companies—especially large ones—the impact of unchecked routines and outdated norms becomes exponential.

So, how do we create positive, intentional habits within an organization?

It starts with clarity and consistency. Company culture isn’t an abstract concept—it’s a tangible outcome of the values that are lived daily. This can be influenced and guided by intentional practices:

• A shared set of affirmations or mission-aligned language that connects everyone.

• A cultural playbook—not just a rulebook—that outlines not only what is expected, but what is celebrated.

• Rituals that reinforce purpose, pride, and unity.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about enforcing rigid rules. It’s about setting boundaries that define what the company stands for. It’s about building a foundation strong enough to carry the weight of everyday decisions and interpersonal dynamics.

Contrast that with environments where rules focus only on limitations: clocking hours, monitoring vacation time, penalizing deviations. Without a parallel investment in morale, recognition, and inspiration, these structures erode trust and breed a culture of obedience over ownership.

We call on leaders to take a hard look at their company handbooks and, more importantly, the behaviors being modeled by their leadership teams. Culture trickles down. And whatever is happening at the top is often echoed—less gracefully—throughout the ranks.

Ultimately, culture isn’t built in the boardroom. It’s built in the everyday moments, the unspoken expectations, and the way people feel about the place they show up to every day. If poor habits are the norm, the results speak for themselves.

Let’s make those results worth showing up for.