Cracking the Workplace Code: The Human Side of Workplace Research

This AI-generated image represents the dynamic and evolving nature of workplace culture, where every element plays a role in shaping the experience.

The last five years have witnessed a snowballing transformation in workplaces across industries. While each industry has its own nuances, a common thread runs through them all: the increasing emphasis on well-being at work. Amidst discussions around hustle culture, we are now more aware than ever of the many factors influencing employee retention and satisfaction—from work-life balance and burnout to learning and development and workplace flexibility.

If this evolving discourse has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no single right answer, no universal hack, and no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace culture. And that’s the beauty of the human experience.

Asking the Right Questions

This brings us to a key question: Are we asking the right questions about workplace culture? Workplaces, like any group or community, function as ecosystems within a larger system. To really understand what makes them work, it’s important to consider the specific contexts that shape them—things like social norms, expectations, communication styles, external influences, and even the rituals that define workplace interactions.

As an anthropologist, I’ve worked with different groups to figure out what works best for them. And what are workplaces, if not communities with their own norms and rules? But to truly understand them, relying only on standardized surveys and workplace trends isn’t enough. Taking a step further—diving deep into the workplace itself, looking at how all its elements interact, and figuring out what actually helps people and organizations thrive—can make a real difference.

At the end of the day, the goal is to create an environment where the well-being and ambitions of individuals align with the goals of the organization—because employees spend a huge part of their waking hours at work, and that experience plays a big role in their overall success.

The Need for a Tailored Approach

No two organizations are the same. Even within the same industry, two companies with similar capacities and goals can have vastly different workplace cultures. Even teams within the same company can have completely different experiences. And yet, in the drive for efficiency, these differences often get overlooked.

It raises an important question—how well do we really understand our own workplaces? And how often do we stop to think about what could make them better?

We’ve seen this shift happen in education. It was once assumed that all students learn the same way, but over time, it became clear that different learning styles require different approaches. The same logic applies to workplaces. A strategy that works for one organization won’t necessarily work for another. Instead of applying generic solutions, organizations benefit from working with their people to create systems that support both individual and collective success.

Moving Beyond the Data

Statistics and trends are helpful in identifying patterns, but they don’t tell the full story. To create meaningful change, it takes more than just understanding the numbers—it requires digging deeper. Analyzing specific workplace contexts, the people in them, and how everything fits together provides a more complete picture. This is the deep dive.

This is where applied anthropology comes in. By using qualitative research methods—like in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, surveys, and participatory design—it’s possible to get a real understanding of how employees experience their workplace. These insights help identify strengths, uncover gaps, and create tailored recommendations that actually fit the unique dynamics of an organization.

The True Purpose of Workplace Research

At its core, this work isn’t just about improving numbers or hitting business targets. It’s about making work more than just a paycheck or a career milestone. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and supported; where they see meaning in what they do; and where they have the space to grow.

Time and again, research has shown that employee experience is directly linked to organizational success. Workplace culture isn’t just a tool for productivity—it plays a central role in shaping how people engage with their work and how organizations evolve.

Investing in tailored workplace research provides a clearer picture of workplace dynamics, leading to:

• Higher job satisfaction

• Stronger relationships and communication

• More adaptable and effective processes

• Better work-life balance

• A more inclusive and flexible work environment

• A culture that evolves alongside the people in it

Integrating Qualitative Research into Workplace Strategy

Qualitative research can work alongside existing workplace assessments, adding depth to the data already available. By combining these insights with industry trends and regular cultural audits, organizations can develop a more well-rounded understanding of their workplace.

Through The Sacha Method, I help organizations do exactly that—whether through short-term research projects or ongoing partnerships. The goal is to create workplaces where both individuals and organizations don’t just function but actually thrive.

We’re in an ever-changing world, surrounded by insights and resources. Taking the time to truly understand workplace culture can open doors to better outcomes—not just through data, but through real immersion in the heart of workplace life.

Immerse. Decode. Transform.