We all know Netflix as the leading platform for watching movies. Many households choose to spend their evenings watching movies or TV shows on this platform. But before it became a company with over 200 million active users, Netflix had humble beginnings and started as a DVD rental company in 1997 that sent movies to users at their home addresses through the mail.
Since then, Netflix services have expanded around the world, and the number of active subscribers has grown, making Netflix one of the most successful platforms for watching movies. In addition to this service, the company also manages to produce its films instead of relying on streaming pre-existing films.
But what makes the platform fascinating is not just its innovative product but also the way Netflix manages its employees and the philosophy behind its work. It is worth analyzing Netflix’s culture and strategy, which have contributed significantly to a healthy and supportive work environment for its employees, who are instrumental in the company’s success.
The following article will dive into Netflix’s corporate culture, exploring the principles and strategies employed to provide employees with career growth and the factors contributing to the company’s stability and success.
Core Values and Behaviors
Netflix is not just a tech giant known for its services but also for its values and expected behaviors from its employees. According to information from the official Netflix website, the company advocates for qualities such as good judgment, selflessness, courage, effective communication, inclusion, integrity, passion, innovation, and curiosity among its workforce.
So, let’s take a closer look at each.
Netflix demands that its employees possess good judgment and make wise decisions based on data and intuition. Selflessness is of utmost importance, and the company encourages employees to prioritize the company’s success over individual or team interests.
Courage is another valuable characteristic that Netflix fosters, creating a culture that embraces informed risks and encourages innovation and growth within the organization.
Effective communication is also essential, emphasizing active listening, adaptability in communication styles, and maintaining calm in stressful situations. Inclusion is a core value, highlighting Netflix’s commitment to diversity and collaboration. The company places a high premium on integrity, promoting transparency, accountability, and a culture of continuous learning from mistakes.
Passion is seen as a driving force, and employees are expected to care deeply about Netflix’s success, inspire excellence, and take pride in contributing to global entertainment. Netflix values innovation, encouraging employees to challenge the norm, simplify processes, and thrive in a dynamic work environment.
Curiosity is another valued trait that encourages quick learning and a commitment to seeking different perspectives. Netflix recognizes the challenge of living up to these standards but emphasizes the responsibility at all levels, especially among leaders, to maintain a culture deeply rooted in these principles.
Culture of Feedback
Netflix strongly emphasizes continuous improvement through regular, positive, and constructive feedback, as outlined on the company’s official website.
The company actively supports employees in developing feedback skills through coaching and exemplifying desired behaviors.
Acknowledging potential challenges for individuals, especially new hires or those in cultures where direct feedback is uncommon, Netflix sees candid communication as crucial for personal and corporate development. According to Netflix, this commitment is vital for creating a cohesive and high-performing “dream team.”
Creating a sense of responsibility
Netflix’s workplace culture revolves around inspiring employees to take responsibility and contribute proactively.
They value a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and self-discipline. Despite granting unusual levels of freedom, the company believes in a balanced approach, coupling freedom with responsibility.
They focus on rapid recovery from mistakes, recognizing that excessive rules can stifle creativity.
Encouragement to discuss issues
Netflix promotes open and honest discussions about important topics through a well-organized approach emphasizing teamwork.
The company takes the time to clearly define its strategy and context, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This approach empowers teams to take ownership of their tasks and confidently move forward. Netflix uses these as opportunities to learn and grow if issues arise,
continually improving its approach.
This culture of open communication and dedication to improvement is a cornerstone of Netflix’s success.
Work-life philosophy
Netflix has a comprehensive and inclusive approach towards employee benefits and well-being.
The parental leave policy encourages new parents to take 4-8 months off to care for their child and themselves.
The company also understands the value of time away from work, allowing employees to take vacation time as needed. Additionally, Netflix has a global benefit that supports employees during fertility, surrogacy, or adoption, which reflects its commitment to inclusivity.
Netflix offers global programs to promote mental health, including mindfulness, meditation, and counseling sessions. Finally, medical coverage varies by country, ensuring employees can access coverage through Netflix or supplemental plans.
Finances
Netflix has a culture of freedom and responsibility that allows employees to make financial decisions.
They provide their employees with a Stock Option Program, allowing them to choose between salary and stock options to align with their risk preferences.
Employees who decide to leave Netflix can still retain their fully vested stock options. Netflix also pays its employees according to the top of the market to attract and retain talent.
Moreover, they offer flexibility to adjust compensation as needed. Additionally, the company has an Employee Giving Program that matches donations made by employees to charitable organizations up to $20,000. This program empowers employees to make a personal impact through charitable giving.
Convenience to Do Your Best Work
Netflix places a high value on adult responsibility and trust, emphasizing the ability of each employee to make a significant impact. The company’s policy regarding expenses and work-related travel is straightforward: employees are encouraged to act in Netflix’s best interest without rigid guidelines.
To enable employees to focus on work during commutes, a rideshare service has partnered with Netflix, acknowledging the challenges of traditional commuting.
Furthermore, Netflix’s Talent Mobility team provides inclusive and meaningful benefits to support employees relocating for new roles, easing the transition and allowing them to concentrate on their work.
Netflix’s Strategies to Attract Top Talent
Netflix employs various strategies to attract top talent. First and foremost, the company ensures that its employees are well-compensated by paying them at the top of their market, considering the highest possible earnings for similar roles in local peer companies.
Netflix emphasizes a culture of excellence, aiming to create a “dream team” of exceptional colleagues who excel individually and collaboratively.
Netflix also promotes transparent communication, with managers frequently engaging with team members to avoid surprises and encouraging open discussions about career intentions.
The commitment to a positive and collaborative workplace culture, including a “No Brilliant Jerks” policy, makes Netflix an attractive prospect for top talent seeking a challenging yet respectful and inclusive work environment.
To Sum Up
Netflix’s corporate culture, built on core values like continuous improvement and open communication, is integral to its evolution into a global streaming leader. The company values feedback, fosters responsibility, and prioritizes employee well-being, both financially and personally. This culture, emphasizing trust and inclusivity, defines Netflix’s success in the dynamic tech and entertainment industry.