- Blog, Business
When it comes to building a successful business, many focus on strategy, growth plans, or the latest technology. But have you ever stopped to consider what really powers long-term success? At Noledge, we believe the answer lies in three words: People. Culture. Performance.
We’ve long understood that a strong internal culture isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s the foundation of everything we do. Culture impacts how your people show up, how your business delivers value, and how your customers experience your services. Just as we match customers with the ERP solution that fits their goals – whether it’s Sage or NetSuite – we foster a culture that empowers our people to do their best work, wherever they are.
Let’s Look at Culture First
A growing number of businesses are asking employees to return to the office. But at Noledge, we’ve chosen a different route – one rooted in flexibility, trust, and outcomes. For us, company culture is about creating an environment where people feel valued, trusted, and empowered.
We don’t measure performance by office attendance. We measure it by the quality of collaboration, the success of our ERP projects, and the support we provide to customers. Like choosing the right ERP platform, your culture must fit your business. And ours fits the way we work.
Culture influences:
• How your team communicates and collaborates
• How supported employees feel – and how long they stay
• How effectively projects are delivered
• How well customers are served
For us, culture is the unseen engine driving real, visible results.
The Noledge Way – Built on Trust
What makes our approach different? We trust our people. Full stop. While others may rely on structured attendance or set office days, we take pride in giving our team the freedom to work in a way that suits them best – whether that’s remotely, in a shared space, or at one of our offices.
That trust is underpinned by:
• Clear expectations
• Transparent communication
• Individual accountability
We don’t believe in micro-management. We believe in outcomes. Our team knows what success looks like, and we give them the autonomy to achieve it. That sense of ownership filters into everything – from customer communication to ERP implementations.
The Office Return Divide
There’s no denying that office returns are rising. The Hays Ireland Survey found that 38% of employers plan to increase in-office requirements. The Dublin Chamber Report shows a trend towards three-day office weeks, and major companies like PwC and Amazon are implementing stricter return policies.
But not everyone’s on board. Employees have grown used to flexibility and many don’t want to give it up. Studies show this resistance isn’t about laziness – it’s about autonomy, trust, and work-life balance.
In fact, the Ibec Survey revealed that only 10% of HR professionals say their companies are fully compliant with return-to-office policies. The Eversheds Sutherland Survey echoed this, with 40% of employers struggling to bring staff back. Quiet policies like the “hushed hybrid” are emerging, where flexibility is unofficially granted despite formal expectations.
We Choose Flexibility – And It Works
At Noledge, we’ve embraced flexibility not as a perk, but as a pillar of our culture. Our teams have the freedom to work where they’re most productive, and the results speak for themselves. We’ve seen better collaboration, stronger accountability, and high engagement – all of which translate to better outcomes for our customers.
Flexible working allows us to:
• Attract and retain top talent
• Improve employee wellbeing
• Enhance productivity without rigid structures
• Focus on delivering exceptional service – not clockwatching
We know that when our people feel supported, our customers feel the benefit.
Why Culture Matters in ERP
ERP projects are complex. They involve people, processes, and systems. And while the technology is important, the people element is what truly determines success.
A strong company culture:
• Encourages openness to change
• Builds buy-in from all levels of an organisation
• Enables smoother collaboration
• Supports faster adoption and better feedback
Without a culture that encourages trust, transparency and teamwork, even the best ERP system will fall short. But with the right internal environment? Implementation becomes smoother, user engagement increases, and long-term value is realised.
Start with Culture. Start with People.
Building a thriving workplace culture doesn’t require massive shifts or dramatic programs. It starts with trust. With empathy. With listening to your people and giving them the tools and freedom to succeed.
Company culture isn’t about where you work. It’s about how you work – together. It’s about trust, alignment, and accountability. And it’s about recognising that your people are your most valuable asset.
In today’s world, where the way we work is evolving fast, businesses that resist this shift risk disengagement and underperformance. But those that embrace a people-first culture? They’re setting themselves up for resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.
About the Author
Sinéad Galligani
Sinéad has been involved in the software industry, particularly in ERP, for over 25 years. Her career has spanned various roles, including Account Management, Key Account Management, and Business Development. In 2013, she became the Marketing Manager for The Noledge Group and now serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).