Why Simple Makes Sense

by Pamela Coleman

August 2026

In a previous HR leadership role, I developed a cultural framework to present to the Board of Directors. One of the cultural attributes in my proposal was “simple,” which drew more interest from the Board than any other attribute in my deck. One member quipped, “It is not often that corporate America aims for simple,” while another asked in-depth questions about what simple would look like.

Simple need not be on every organization’s list of cultural attributes, but it should undergird a framework’s design. Simple means coherent. Simple means accessible. Simple means easily integrated. Simple is understandable. According to HR.com’s 2026 report on Workplace Culture and Connection, “although most respondents say they stay at a company primarily for its culture and people, many organizations undermine this retention anchor with self-inflicted wounds such as lack of clear communication.”

Netflix’s cultural vision of Freedom and Responsibility is the epitome of simplicity. Ask any Netflix employee to recite the spine of their culture’s framework, and they know what to say. This simplicity does two critical things: it clearly states what the culture promises and unifies the team around this straightforward vision.

In the same 2026 report, HR.com further argues for cultural coherence: respondents from “culture leaders” organizations feel significantly more connected at work. In fact, they are more than twice as likely as “culture laggards” to report a strong sense of connection to both their team (68% vs. 31%) and their direct manager (77% vs. 31%). Organizations that invest in defining their cultural frameworks equip managers and employees with the tools they need to connect without confusion or distraction.

Do you want to give your team a gift this year? Design a coherent cultural framework. Need help? Check out my recently published book, Cultural Coherence: A Model For Turning Culture Into a Strategic Lever, available on Amazon.