Skip to main content
  • SHRM
  • Foundation
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
Executive network
About
Apply Now
  • Membership
  • News & Insights
    News & Insights

    Christine Mixan
    People + Strategy Podcast

    The People + Strategy podcast features thought leaders in HR and insights from the world of work.

    • People + Strategy Journal

      People + Strategy is a quarterly journal that delivers the most current theory, research, and practice in strategic human resource management.

    • Research

      Unlock data, research, and expert thought leadership, accelerating your organization’s growth and success.

    • News

      Members of the SHRM Executive Network enjoy access to expert analysis of data from SHRM Research, commentary on current trends, and insights from recent EN events.

  • Networking & Events
    Networking & Events

    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25

    This private convening is designed to meet your professional business needs as an HR leader.

    • Visionaries Summit

      When you attend the two-day Visionaries Summit, you’ll leave with data-backed ideas and action plans to implement right away.

    • EN:Insights Forum

      The EN:Insights Forums bring together like-minded leaders to explore the latest research on the business strategies and trends that are driving innovation and organizational success.

    • EN:Assembly

      Your trusted circle of HR peers for thought leadership, collaboration, and support.

Close
  • Membership
  • News & Insights
    back
    News & Insights
    Christine Mixan
    People + Strategy Podcast

    The People + Strategy podcast features thought leaders in HR and insights from the world of work.

    • People + Strategy Journal

      People + Strategy is a quarterly journal that delivers the most current theory, research, and practice in strategic human resource management.

    • Research

      Unlock data, research, and expert thought leadership, accelerating your organization’s growth and success.

    • News

      Members of the SHRM Executive Network enjoy access to expert analysis of data from SHRM Research, commentary on current trends, and insights from recent EN events.

  • Networking & Events
    back
    Networking & Events
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25

    This private convening is designed to meet your professional business needs as an HR leader.

    • Visionaries Summit

      When you attend the two-day Visionaries Summit, you’ll leave with data-backed ideas and action plans to implement right away.

    • EN:Insights Forum

      The EN:Insights Forums bring together like-minded leaders to explore the latest research on the business strategies and trends that are driving innovation and organizational success.

    • EN:Assembly

      Your trusted circle of HR peers for thought leadership, collaboration, and support.

About
Apply Now
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • SHRM
  • Foundation
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
Executive network
Sign In
  • Account
    • Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Executive News & Insights
  2. 5 Keys to Creating a Culture of Stability in Uncertain Times
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

5 Keys to Creating a Culture of Stability in Uncertain Times

May 20, 2024 | Lucinda Smith

office meeting

The current dynamic, uncertain business environment can produce anxiety and impact worker mental health in ways that affect productivity and retention. We all yearn for a sense of stability in our lives. Too often work can provide the opposite, as the threat of cost reductions, layoffs, and constant changes undermine workers' peace of mind. But there are steps that leaders can take to make a workplace feel more stable and supportive, even when the world around us is volatile.

We know that organizational culture significantly impacts employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall success. It also impacts recruitment, as many candidates are seeking the best culture for them. Knowing this, all leaders should actively cultivate a culture of stability to create a thriving and civil work environment. Organizations that focus on consistent output, reliability, and customer focus benefit from a culture of stability. These companies prioritize results, authority, and a focus on policies and procedures.

Stability is crucial for achieving genuine agility and resilience in teams. Leaders play a vital role in setting the tone for stability and prioritizing it as a strategic goal. Stable organizations can respond quickly to change, focus on innovation, and consistently attract top talent.

Creating a culture of stability within an organization is essential for fostering resilience, adaptability, and success. Here are some practices and strategies to help build a foundation for fostering a stable culture:

  1. Set Clear Goals and Priorities:
    • Align your team’s objectives with the overall organizational mission.
    • Clearly communicate priorities to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
  2. Promote Open Communication:
    • Encourage transparent dialogue among team members.
    • Break down communication barriers and organizational silos to foster collaboration and information sharing.
  3. Learn from Mistakes and Experiment:
    • Embrace a culture of learning and experimentation.
    • Optimize failure by analyzing mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth.
  4. Foster a Positive Work Environment:
    • Create an atmosphere of trust, support, and optimism.
    • Recognize and reward skills like creativity, collaboration, and effective communication.
  5. Provide Resources and Support:
    • Ensure employees have the necessary tools, technology, and resources to succeed.
    • Regularly check in with team members to address concerns and provide reassurance.

Stability cultures are predictable and rule-oriented, but they can also be bureaucratic. When the work environment is stable and certain, this increases organizational effectiveness by providing consistent levels of output. However, these cultures can also prevent quick action in a crisis without internal safeguards. It is important to balance the need for agility with the need to have a sense of purpose and support underpinning everything an organization does.

Remember that stability isn’t about avoiding change; it’s about building a foundation that allows an organization to thrive even in uncertain times. By prioritizing stability, you’ll attract and retain talent, enhance productivity, and promote long-term excellence.

Lucinda Smith is an executive coach and advisor, as well as a SHRM EN Executive Advisor. Previously, she was a senior vice president at AGCO Corporation for 15 years. 

Communication
Executive Compensation
Organizational Structure
Workplace Culture

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Copyright & Permissions

Email: SHRM.MEA@shrm.org
Landline: +971 43649464

SHRM KSA Office (Riyadh)
+966507266968

SHRM UAE Office (Dubai)
+971581101786

Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now