The Sunday Night Test

Building a company culture is one of those phrases that gets tossed around a lot, but what does it truly mean? For me, it’s more than just a mission statement on a website or an office full of perks. It’s about the values we champion, the environment we cultivate, and the way we lead—but let me tell you this: if the culture doesn’t work, everything else falls apart.

Culture isn’t just a feel-good buzzword or a checklist of benefits. At its heart, it’s the answer to a very human question: How do your employees feel on Sunday night when they’re staring down the week ahead? Do they feel a sense of anticipation and purpose? Or is it dread, anxiety, and an overwhelming wish for the weekend to stretch on forever?

The Sunday Night Test

I’ve learned to gauge the health of a workplace culture with what I call the “Sunday Night Test.” It’s simple but incredibly telling. Ask yourself:

• Do my employees feel energized and excited about the challenges ahead?

• Are they motivated by a sense of purpose and aligned with our mission?

• Or are they stressed, anxious, and mentally drained before Monday even begins?

That stark contrast tells you everything you need to know about the strength of your company culture.

Culture Shapes the Week Before It Even Begins

When I think about my best professional experiences, I’m reminded of times when I couldn’t wait to dive into the week ahead. The projects, the collaboration, the sense of growth—it all made Mondays feel like an opportunity rather than a chore. And let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced the opposite too: the sluggish countdown to Friday that starts before the coffee hits your desk.

The truth is, a strong culture influences how your team feels long before Monday morning arrives. It sets the tone not just for how they show up at work, but how they show up for their lives.

Why Culture Matters

Here’s the thing: culture isn’t just about making people happy (though that’s important). It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive. When culture is strong, it fosters productivity, innovation, and loyalty. When it’s weak, it drains your team’s energy, leading to burnout, disengagement, and turnover.

I’ve seen firsthand how culture can make or break a team. A positive environment brings out the best in people; it inspires them to contribute their talents and invest in the company’s success. Conversely, a toxic or neglected culture can erode even the most skilled workforce.

How Leaders Can Build a Strong Culture

As leaders, we set the tone. We have the power—and the responsibility—to create a culture that uplifts and energizes. Here’s what I’ve found works:

1. Define and Live Your Core Values Your core values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of your culture. Make sure they resonate with your team and guide every decision. And remember, values aren’t just something you write down; they’re something you live.

2. Foster Connection Take time to build relationships within your teams. Create spaces for open dialogue, encourage collaboration, and celebrate both big and small wins.

3. Invest in Growth When employees feel like they’re growing, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Provide opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and learning.

4. Show Recognition A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Recognize the hard work and contributions of your team regularly and authentically.

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance A thriving culture isn’t just about what happens inside the office—it’s also about how you support your employees’ lives outside of work. Flexible policies, clear boundaries, and respect for personal time matter more than you think.

The Result?

When you build a strong culture, Mondays become something your team looks forward to, not something they dread. They show up ready to contribute, grow, and make an impact—not just for a paycheck, but because they genuinely care.

So, here’s the question I’ll leave you with: How does your team feel about Monday mornings on Sunday night? If the answer isn’t what you’d hope, it’s time to take a hard look at your culture and start building something better. Because at the end of the day, your team deserves it. And so does your company.

Thanks for stopping by Recruiter Real Talk. I’m Melinda Janeiro, and I’m here to help you build a workplace where people and businesses thrive. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.

Welcome to Recruiter Real Talk, where your career growth is our top priority. I’m Melinda Janeiro, a dedicated Human Resources Professional with over 15 years of progressive experience across various sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, and IT. My passion lies in empowering job seekers and professionals to excel through strategic skills enhancement and career guidance. Connect with me on LinkedIn.