We often forget that we spend most of our waking hours at our jobs. While this may sound grim, it doesn’t have to be. There are several ways that employers can make their work environments welcoming, efficient, and—gasp! —a place that employees won’t mind returning to each morning: something that should be every employer’s mission.
What makes a positive office environment?
There are certain characteristics that make a “positive office environment.” These include:
- Open communication both internally and externally
- Conducive of a healthy work-life balance
- Continuous support and on-the-job learning
- Recognition and appreciation
- A comfortable and productive setting
Create an open stream of communication
One of the worst things an employer can do is oversee a work environment that doesn’t allow for free thought, useful criticism, or just normal water-tank banter. A silent work office isn’t necessarily a healthy one.
Encourage your employees to communicate openly and transparently.
This will increase collaboration among your employees and through that exchange of ideas, your team can continuously learn from one another and create the best plan of attack for their upcoming projects.
Open communication also provides employees with a safe environment to ask questions.
Employees tend to feel that asking questions is a sign of weakness and will instead opt to figure it out themselves. Most times, this does not help productivity or efficiency.
Establish a healthy work-life balance
A positive work environment stems from understanding that your employees have lives outside of the office—something that is often forgotten.
Your employees have personal goals along with their work goals and you should support them in both because life experience is just as important as experience in the industry. Those outside experiences can help an employee stay one step ahead and help them to think out-of-the-box more often.
Learn something new everyday
Even the titans of industry aren’t complete experts in their field—everyone has more to learn as long as their willing to learn.
If you invest in your employees continuing education, you are not only bettering their skills and knowledge as a professional, but you are adding those skills and knowledge to your company’s arsenal of talent.
We’d say that’s a win-win.
This also allows you and your company to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, constantly improving company processes and efficiency.
Show appreciation and regular recognition
This one is simple—make it a point to recognize your hardworking employees!
Acknowledging someone’s hard work shows that the company cares about them and that is extremely valuable to the success of your company.
Appreciation will encourage the employee to stay driven and focused because they are a valuable part of the team.
Find productivity in the physical office
So much of an office’s morale and happiness has to do with the built environment—in other words: The interior design of your office can influence the work and feelings of the employees that work there every day.
There are many different things you can do, from welcoming a more tranquil color palette to adding an area that enhances collaboration, but we recommend small steps like adding more natural light, installing comfortable communal furniture, and providing little luxuries like a coffee machine!
The best part about creating a beneficial work environment for your employees is that you’ll start seeing results almost immediately. Your employees will see that you’re taking the time to improve their livelihoods and recognize their hard work.
With these elements in mind, you have everything you need to create a more positive work environment! Then give us a call at 347-573-9572 to help you fill it with the right staff!