Have you ever walked into a workplace and immediately felt the energy? Maybe it was warm and inviting—or maybe it felt stiff and tense, like everyone was just waiting for the day to be over. Culture is that invisible current that flows through an office or team space, whether in-person or virtual. It’s the feeling people carry in with them in the morning and take home at the end of the day. And whether we realize it or not, it’s shaping how we work, communicate, and connect.
Culture isn’t just about having free snacks or planning the occasional pizza party. It’s about how we treat one another. Do people feel safe speaking up? Is laughter allowed in meetings? Is it okay to make mistakes? Do people genuinely care about each other—or are they just clocking in and out? A healthy, intentional culture creates psychological safety, where people feel comfortable being themselves and doing their best work. This environment leads to more creativity, better collaboration, and stronger relationships, all of which directly impact productivity and lower turnover.
Culture isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy.
When we invest in culture, we’re investing in our people. Studies (and lived experience!) show that teams who feel supported and valued are more likely to stay, more likely to engage, and more likely to work as a team rather than in silos. Culture builds connection, and connection builds trust—and let’s be honest, you can’t build a great community without it. High turnover doesn’t just hurt morale; it costs time, money, and trust. A strong culture that values work-life balance, clear communication, recognition, and emotional intelligence helps prevent burnout and keeps people around for the long haul.
And yes, culture can thrive even in a hybrid or fully remote setting—but it has to be intentional. Working part-time in the office, I’ve seen both sides: the camaraderie of in-person energy and the quiet of remote days that sometimes feel disconnected. What bridges the gap is how we treat each other when we’re not sharing a space. Simple rituals like checking in with coworkers, recognizing wins (big or small), and being open to feedback all help reinforce that we’re part of something that matters. Because at the end of the day, people don’t just stay for a paycheck—they stay for people. And when we build a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered, we don’t just create a better workplace—we create a better community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
At just 27 years old, Amanda Keegan has quickly made a mark in the property management industry. Beginning as an assistant property manager at a small company, she climbed the ranks in just two years to become a dedicated and trusted portfolio community manager. Known for redefining what it means to be a community manager, Amanda brings responsiveness, dependability, and a little bit of sunshine to every community she serves. Amanda currently serves on CAI Keystone’s PULSE Young Professionals Committee and was named a member of the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders Under 40. She can be contacted via email at: akeegan@associamidatlantic.com.
