Nurturing Company Culture and Values in Construction: Insights from Dave Walsh and Jen Bauer

Nurturing Company Culture and Values in Construction: Insights from Dave Walsh and Jen Bauer

In the fast-paced world of construction, where the focus is often on physical structures and tangible outcomes, nurturing strong company culture and values is essential for long-term success. At Miron Construction Co., Inc., leaders like Dave Walsh (Executive Vice President of Human Resources) and Jen Bauer (Senior Vice President of Marketing and Culture) demonstrate that a thriving culture is not just beneficial but vital. In a recent humanscape podcast episode, Jen and Dave both shared their experiences and strategies for fostering a positive and productive workplace environment, providing valuable insights into how company culture and values drive success in the construction industry.

Company culture and values with Jen Bauer and Dave Walsh

The Evolution of Miron’s Company Culture and Values

When Miron first remodeled their corporate office in 2008, the focus was primarily on creating a space that impressed clients. This was typical for many companies at the time, where the client experience was paramount. However, a more recent remodel reflects a significant shift towards an employee-centric design aligned to the organization’s five core values: Stay Grounded, Think Big, Rally Together, Dig Deep, and Build Legacies. Their new office spaces were designed to foster flexibility and collaboration, recognizing that employee satisfaction and well-being are crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. “You take care of your people, and they will take care of your clients,” Jen noted, emphasizing the importance of living their company culture and values internally – especially in how they redesigned their workspace.

Company culture and values at Miron.

Building a Culture of Care

Dave shared some unique perspectives as well with his emphasis on “cura personalis,” a Latin phrase meaning “care of the entire person.” This principle, rooted in his upbringing, guides his approach to leadership. This phrase has reinforced Miron’s commitment to ensuring team members feel valued and heard.

Dave also shared on the significance of giving culture a formal structure and recognition within the company. Five years ago, Miron created a Vice President level position dedicated to culture, a role now held by fellow guest Jen Bauer. They intentionally created this role to be different from what typically falls under “HR”.  Theis move has been pivotal in systematically fostering and nurturing the company culture and values. “Giving it a name and an executive sponsor is one of the most significant things I think the owners have done here,” Dave stated.

Adapting to Change and Maintaining Company Culture and Values

The last few years have also served as a catalyst for further strengthening their cultural framework. Jen and Dave shared about the formation of a COVID task force that focused not just on operational continuity but also on maintaining the company’s cultural integrity during remote work phases of the pandemic in 2020.

Jen’s involvement in the task force was crucial in ensuring that communication remained a priority. The company sent out almost daily newsletters to keep employees informed and connected, demonstrating that every decision was made with their well-being in mind. This level of dedication helped maintain morale and a sense of community, even during those uncertain times.

Embracing Innovation and Future Challenges

As Miron looks to the future, innovation remains a key focus. Jen mentioned the establishment of an innovation team that meets monthly to discuss new technologies and ways of working, including the integration of artificial intelligence. This proactive approach ensures that Miron stays ahead in an industry that is traditionally slow to adopt new technologies.

Both Dave and Jen emphasized the importance of explicit values and structured mentorship programs. They believe that clear communication and education about the company’s values are essential for fostering a cohesive and resilient culture. These values are not just theoretical but are actively integrated into training programs and daily operations.

The experiences and strategies at Miron Construction shared by Dave and Jen offer valuable insights into how a strong organizational culture can be nurtured in the construction industry. By prioritizing employee well-being, formalizing cultural initiatives, and embracing innovation, Miron Construction demonstrates that building a positive workplace culture is foundational to achieving excellence. As other companies navigate the complexities of the modern business environment, Miron’s approach serves as a compelling model for integrating company culture and values into their organizational strategies.

TL;DR

1. Employee-Centric Design: Shifting from client-focused office spaces to those that prioritize employee satisfaction and collaboration.

2. Formalizing Culture: Establishing a Vice President level position for culture to systematically nurture company culture and values.

3. Cura Personalis: Emphasizing the care of individuals to ensure a supportive and engaging workplace.

4. Core Values Integration: The core values are known across the whole organization including team members wearing them on their heard hats in the field. The values also guide efforts they champion such as Build Like A Girl to get more girls and women interested in the construction industry,

5. Proactive Communication: Maintaining regular and transparent communication, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Innovation: Continuously exploring new technologies and methods to stay ahead in the industry. 6. Structured Mentorship: Implementing mentorship programs that align with the company’s values to foster growth and cohesion.