How to Cultivate a Good Company Culture in 2025

In a world where flexible work schedules have become the new norm, cultivating a good company culture has been a continuous learning experience, and one we know we have to nurture daily. A good company culture in 2025 is powerful, but it doesn’t happen overnight or by accident. What makes a workplace feel genuinely supportive? How can everyone feel their contributions matter? What drives people to give their best? How do you balance productivity with well-being?

We don’t want Meriwether to feel like just another workplace. We want a shared mission. A unified, purpose-driven team that moves toward the same goal with us. And, if we’re honest, we know it’s about being both—a place where you can have a personal life while also building a successful career.

As we’ve expanded our team into what it is now, we feel immense joy and satisfaction that we get to work with these incredible humans and that they choose to grow with Meriwether. They each play a massive role in our company culture, and we’ve discovered a handful of ways we believe can help you cultivate a good company culture in 2025!

Have you been curious about what it takes to create a culture people love? Or maybe you’re seeking inspiration for a more engaged, values-driven team? Let’s dive into how you can build an authentic and aligned culture that truly reflects the best of your organization.

Embrace flexibility and work-life balance.

For us, one of the key pillars of our culture is allowing our team members to be both. We understand that life isn’t just about work or one single identity—it’s about balance and embracing the full spectrum of who we are. We’re not just CPAs and consultants; we’re sports fanatics, avid travelers, animal lovers, and passionate advocates for volunteering. Our team brings their whole selves to work, and we encourage personal growth alongside professional success.

We recognize that having a fulfilling life outside of work makes us better employees, better colleagues, and better humans. By embracing this holistic approach, we cultivate an environment where our people feel supported and valued for all of who they are. This flexibility is woven into the fabric of our daily operations. We offer flexible schedules and the freedom to prioritize what matters most outside of work. This commitment to balance is just as important for our team as it is for our clients. We believe in creating space for people to thrive both personally and professionally, knowing that when our team feels fulfilled, our clients benefit from that energy and dedication. It’s this balance, and the understanding that work isn’t the only part of our identity, that drives us to create a culture where people truly want to be.

Foster open communication and genuine connections.

We are not that team that is detached or unapproachable. In fact, we actively encourage open communication across all levels of the company.

How can we cultivate trust? Or ensure every employee feels truly heard? Chances are, the key lies in fostering genuine connections and providing access to leadership. We are not a fan of hierarchical walls, so we want to break them down by offering full access to partners.

So, within our walls , we make sure communication flows freely. It’s not about titles or authority—especially not in a team that values collaboration above all else. Nobody likes to feel like their voice doesn’t matter. So, we take the time to listen, understand, and support. We aim to make every employee feel valued.

And sometimes, that means taking the time to meet with our partners and engaging in meaningful conversations that foster growth. We prioritize these personal connections because they form the foundation of our company culture. It’s not just about work; it’s about who we are as people.

Building trust and loyalty through open, honest communication is a priority for good company culture in 2025. We make sure every employee knows they’re not just a cog in the machine but a crucial part of the team. We truly care about each other’s personal and professional success, and that makes all the difference.

Create experiences for team bonding beyond work.

What was instantly one of our favorite things about managing a growing team? Just how genuine and relaxing it is to bond with the team outside of work!

We plan our annual lake day to bring everyone together. We know this might look differently depending on team schedules, but if it’s possible, we would say that an out-of-the-office connection is a necessity.

First, we love the kind of genuine and honest conversations that happen on trips like these, unlike the ones we build as we pop in and out of meetings all day. Our lake days are a highlight for us. We get to soak up the sun, share drinks on boat rides, go out on the jet ski, and enjoy a relaxing day away from our daily responsibilities. It’s energizing to see, recharge, and connect with the people we’re collaborating with day in and day out!

And we live for these unstructured moments that come through when we learn about how someone thinks, how they operate, and how they communicate. This is vital info for how to truly understand and support one another as part of a good company culture in 2025. We learn how to communicate better and we get to appreciate the unique strengths each person brings to the team. This makes for way less miscommunication and stress and more laughter and collaboration. There’s BIG payoff, and we see it in every successful project, in every creative idea, and in every problem that is solved.

Prioritize employee growth and development.

Our team is full of varied individuals with unique talents and interests. From accountants to tax managers, and bookkeepers, to being administrative or more numbers-focused or a blend of the two — the range is both wide and impressive.  We want to empower each person to grow, learn, and thrive in their careers!

We believe in providing opportunities for our team members to continuously grow within their roles. We often ask ourselves: How can we help each person stretch beyond their comfort zone? What new skills can we teach or refine? How can we challenge them in ways that help them discover their potential? How do we create an environment that fosters learning and growth? What steps can we take to support their development, both personally and professionally?

We’ve learned that the differences among our team members don’t hold us back—they actually propel us forward! We are all so different that every time we collaborate, we’re growing. We not only learn new skills from each other, but we also gain fresh perspectives on how to approach challenges. When it comes down to examining financial records, identifying areas of opportunity and risk, and providing solutions to businesses and individuals, we all come together to help each other succeed. It’s something pretty cool to witness and be a part of.

We’re not here to hold anyone back or keep them in their box. We’re excited to see each person grow and excel within our team. The opportunity for growth is limitless, and you know what else is? The potential. Your team will grow exponentially when you give them the support to succeed.

Investing in people who focus on company culture.

Now, this might seem like one of those “is this really necessary?” pieces of advice, but we think it’s absolutely essential: investing in people who focus on company culture.

We made the decision to bring on a Director of People and Culture, Gina Gates, to lead our efforts in fostering an exceptional workplace. Gina’s role is broad and multifaceted—she’s responsible for everything from recruiting to staff development, strategic planning, employee relations, and marketing. But above all, Gina’s mission is clear: to ensure that Meriwether remains a top workplace where employees feel supported and valued. By focusing on the well-being and development of our team, she ensures that every member has the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Gina has had a significant impact on our team. From planning fun and engaging activities like Easter scavenger hunts, to providing treats and food during the busy tax season, to coordinating happy hours, Gina’s efforts bring a sense of community to the workplace and create a more enjoyable and balanced work environment.

That said, you don’t necessarily need to hire a designated person like Gina to make culture a priority. It could be as simple as forming a committee of interested individuals who are passionate about creating a positive atmosphere and finding ways to make the office fun. Whether it’s organizing social events, coordinating team-building activities, or just finding moments to appreciate one another, everyone can contribute to making company culture a central part of the work experience.

Of course, work can get tough, and the challenges that come with working in a demanding field like ours can weigh heavily on a person. Between tight deadlines, long hours, and the pressure to perform, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But that’s why having moments to step away from the spreadsheets and enjoy the company of your coworkers can make a huge difference. Taking time to bond, relax, and recharge is just as important as getting the work done.

Ultimately, the key to a thriving workplace is finding opportunities to bring people together in ways that aren’t just about the work. When teams focus on creating shared experiences outside of the day-to-day grind, it strengthens relationships and makes the workplace more enjoyable for everyone. It’s not just about what you do at your desk; it’s about the connections you build with those around you that will create good company culture in 2025.

We wouldn’t have it any other way

The company culture we’ve fostered has not only allowed us to excel as individuals, but it has also contributed significantly to the growth and success of our company as a whole.

As we’ve seen firsthand, a strong company culture creates a positive feedback loop—when we invest in people and focus on their growth, we set the stage for innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. This environment allows us to navigate challenges with resilience, adapt to changing demands, and continuously improve as a team. It’s not just about completing projects or hitting targets, but about the journey and the people we share it with along the way.

As you look toward cultivating a good company culture in 2025, we hope you remember that culture isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. Start with small steps—whether it’s fostering genuine connections, prioritizing employee development, or making time for moments of joy and relaxation. Create a culture that celebrates growth, diversity, and connection, and the results will speak for themselves. Here’s to building workplaces that empower people, fuel creativity, and make every day a little brighter. You can make it happen, one step at a time.