Happy 2026!

The new year is the perfect time to hit refresh, not just on goals and budgets, but on your team’s culture.

Why? Because a strong, intentional culture drives engagement, retention, and performance, and in today’s competitive talent market, that’s more important than ever.

Here’s how to start building a culture that sticks:

1. Reflect and Reset
   Take a look back at 2025. What worked? Where did your team feel supported or not? Simple surveys, one-on-one check-ins, or team discussions can reveal insights you might have missed. Understanding the current state is the first step to creating the culture you want.
2. Align Around Values
   Culture isn’t just posters on a wall, it’s how your team interacts every day. Make your core values clear, and lead by example. Show your team how these values are woven into hiring, onboarding, recognition, and day-to-day decisions. Alignment creates consistency and consistency builds trust.

At Rust Belt Recruiting, we have implemented quarterly culture assessments using HireAligned to gauge how our culture is evolving and where we can improve.

3. Invest in People Early
   Set the tone for 2026 by investing in development and engagement now. Quarterly check-ins, mentorship programs, and clear growth paths signal to your team that they’re valued. Recognition, even for small wins, keeps morale high and reinforces the behaviors you want to see.

Some tactics that we have implemented at Rust Belt Recruiting come from the methodologies from the One Minute Manager, including goal setting. 

A strong culture doesn’t happen overnight, but starting in January gives you a head start. When your team feels supported, aligned, and recognized, they do their best work, and your business wins along with them.

This year, make it your mission: New Year, New Culture, New Results.