By Kelly Sullivan, PhD, Director of Lab Operations, US CIC Labs
I’ve seen firsthand how a strong lab culture fuels innovation, collaboration, and team success. A recent article in The Hill reported that toxic work environments drive away 1 in 5 employees, highlighting the critical need for supportive and inclusive workplaces. You might be wondering, but what defines a strong lab culture? In my experience, it’s an environment where shared values, mutual respect, and clear goals empower scientists to thrive.
Why Lab Culture Matters
A positive lab culture contributes to building and maintaining successful teams. It promotes collaboration, encourages creative problem solving, and drives innovation. A supportive and healthy environment not only promotes well-being and reduces stress but also leads to better scientific outcomes. Labs with positive cultures also develop reputations that attract and retain top talent. As Michelle Ottey, PhD, Global Leader of Centers and Labs, emphasized in a recent article, leading with empathy and resilience are vital in today’s workplace. This leadership approach fosters spaces where individuals feel appreciated and supported—allowing both people and ideas to thrive.
How to Build Company Culture in a Lab Setting
Creating a strong lab culture starts with intention. Here’s how to create an environment where everyone feels valued and thrives:
- Define shared values and goals: Bring your team together to create a mission statement and core values that reflect your lab’s goals and principles.
- Foster open communication: Regular check-ins, honest feedback, and an open-door policy help everyone feel included and heard.
- Encourage inclusivity: Celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas each team member brings to the table to enrich the lab’s work.
- Lead by example: Show respect in your communication, model the behavior you want to see in the team, and set a strong example with your work ethic.
Shared lab spaces, like those at CIC, help support your team by enabling a positive work culture. They provide essential resources, such as shared lab equipment, while fostering community through events, programming, and communal spaces like well-stocked kitchens (with plenty of coffee!).
Ways to Foster Collaboration and Encourage Engagement
In addition to laying the groundwork for a positive culture, building camaraderie is also important—it’s a key cornerstone of a thriving lab environment. Here are a few ways you can make that happen:
- Address interpersonal issues early: This prevents conflicts from escalating and maintains a positive environment. Occasionally, adjusting team composition can be necessary to improve morale and collaboration.
- Host team-building activities: Retreats, workshops, or informal gatherings help strengthen relationships and improve team dynamics.
- Develop a mentorship program: Pairing junior researchers with experienced team members is another effective way to build skills and foster meaningful connections.
- Encourage participation: Engaging your team in discussions, brainstorming sessions, and the decision-making process ensures that every team member feels valued and heard.
When considering engagement beyond the lab, CIC’s shared spaces offer members the chance to connect with a social network of like-minded individuals and participate in events designed to nurture a budding company culture.
Design a Process to Sustain Lab Culture
Building a strong lab culture is an ongoing effort, so it’s essential to establish processes that embed positive culture into the lab’s operations including:
- Creating onboarding programs: This is an effective way to introduce new members to your lab’s values, expectations, and workflows.
- Developing structured feedback mechanisms: Surveys, 1:1 check-ins, and regular meetings can help assess lab dynamics and identify areas for improvement.
- Celebrating achievements: Recognizing and rewarding successes can motivate team members. A study by Great Place to Work found a genuine ‘thank you’ from those in senior management can ignite a 69% increase in the likelihood of employees bringing extra effort to their work.
These steps can help maintain your lab’s culture while allowing flexibility as personnel and circumstances evolve. While culture naturally shifts over time, intentional leadership can ensure it grows in a positive and purposeful direction.
Can Flexible Lab Space Help Support Strong Lab Culture?
A strong lab culture is the backbone of innovation, collaboration, and success. It fosters an environment where teams can thrive, ideas can flourish, and breakthroughs become possible. For lab leaders, prioritizing culture alongside research objectives is not just important—it’s essential. By cultivating a positive, inclusive, and adaptable culture, you can ensure your work leaves a lasting impact, both in the lab and beyond.
Ready to transform your lab? Find out how CIC can help you achieve your goals
