David Burkus wrote an article titled Does Hiring For Culture Fit Actually Work? (17 March 2025).
« Culture fit has become a catch-all phrase that often leads to hiring people who look, think, and act like everyone else on the team. And that’s a recipe for stagnation… Sameness isn’t great for innovation, problem-solving, or performance. »
« Employees who can “read the room,” adapt, and influence the culture over time tend to be the highest performers. Instead of asking, “Do they fit the culture?” a better question is, “Can they contribute to it?” »
« The best teams aren’t built by hiring clones. They’re built by hiring people who contribute something new while aligning with core values. That’s why many companies are shifting from “culture fit” to “culture add.” »
« Culture fit asks whether someone blends in. Culture add asks what new perspective, skill, or experience they bring to the team. When hiring focuses on culture add, teams naturally expand their thinking. They bring in diverse experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints—things that challenge groupthink and drive better decision-making. »
« Too often, managers focus so much on bringing in the right people that they forget about ensuring the existing team is ready for them. If your current employees don’t reflect the culture you’re trying to build, new hires will notice. And they’ll quickly realize they have two choices: assimilate to the real culture (even if it’s toxic) or disengage entirely. »
« As a manager, it’s your job to ensure alignment between what’s promised and what’s practiced… Managers play the biggest role in reinforcing, adapting, and evolving culture over time. »
« The benefits of hiring for culture fit don’t show up overnight. Research shows that as more values-aligned employees join an organization, engagement, performance, and team cohesion improve—but only if leaders actively shape the culture along the way… And most importantly, be patient—because strong cultures take time to build. »
« It’s about hiring people who align with your mission, adapt to your team, and help shape the culture in the right direction. That’s how you build a high-performing, positive team culture. »
David Burkus is an organizational psychologist. He is the author of six books:
Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams (2023)
Leading From Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams (2021)
Pick A Fight: How Great Teams Find A Purpose Worth Rallying Around (2020)
Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career (2018)
Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business as Usual (2016)
The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies and People Generate Great Ideas (2014)
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