PROJECT MANAGEMENT AS A TOOL FOR MANAGING CHANGES IN CORPORATE CULTURE TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION

In the dynamic business environment, enhancing workplace quality is essential for company success, particularly for newly established small businesses facing challenges due to limited resources and specialized staff. This article investigates the role of project management as a strategic tool in managing organizational culture change to improve employee satisfaction. Small companies often lack the resources for costly certifications or external consulting, which limits their ability to create competitive work environments. Therefore, fostering employee satisfaction through an improved work culture becomes crucial for retaining talent and ensuring continuity. Using standardized surveys such as Job Descriptive Index (JDI), the study assesses critical factors influencing employee satisfaction, such as work environment, organizational constraints, and demographics. Through a pilot project developed with the PMBOK methodology, key areas such as Transparent Culture and Employee Rotation are addressed as vital for boosting engagement and satisfaction. Results demonstrate that targeted project management can lead to substantial improvements in employee well-being, contributing to an organization’s competitive edge without excessive financial outlay. Ultimately, the study highlights the potential for using project management strategies to prepare small businesses for future certifications, thereby advancing toward recognized standards like the Great Place to Work®.