In a client company, we've been talking about maintaining the best aspects of the company culture as the company continues to grow. It's a good conversation to have. The business channel editor here at About.com commented to me once upon a time that in her experience many small businesses struggle with the concept of culture. She's been a business and finance writer for a number of years and has spoken with many different small businesses.

Her experience echoes my own. Most small businesses do not consciously decide about what aspects of culture should be developed and maintained in their companies. So, the culture just develops on its own. It's a given that a particular work environment or culture will develop. The coming together of people in a workplace guarantees the development. The question is whether the culture that develops serves the best interests of your customers, employees, and future progress and success.

So, for me, consciously determining the culture that will serve your best interests is a priority. So is assessing the culture periodically to see how you're doing. Keeping an open ear and listening to what employees are saying or complaining about gives you a lot of information. So will a periodic employee satisfaction survey. Checking in with new employees to learn about their experience of joining your company is useful, too.

Then, you can make plans to change the culture if it's not emphasizing what's important for your business.

How else do you keep your fingers on the pulse of the environment you provide for people at work? Please respond in comments.