Most of us spend an average of 40 hours in our workplace, and because of this, we create friendly rapports with the colleague we spend the most time in. However, no matter how close you are with your colleagues, you will feel downtrodden whenever you have to go to the office if your workplace is toxic.
This is why as a manager or owner of a company, you need to thrive on making your work environment as positive as you can. A positive work environment is something that will boost the morale of your employees but will also make them more productive. It will also make them love to come to work, and they won’t dread it every day. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn how to create a more positive work environment.
1. What is it?
When people think and hear the term working environment, they will first think of physical working space. With the advent of 2020 and the numerous lockdowns, the workspace has changed drastically as most of us had to work from home. Now more than ever, the working environment is far more than just the physical space.
A positive work environment is usually a space that promotes the employee’s well-being, growth and productivity. In layperson’s terms, it is a space that encourages people to do their best. A few factors that will encourage a more meaningful work environment and this includes having relatable values, a culture of trust, good working practices, and a supportive atmosphere.
2. Engage with your employees
When you go out of your way to connect with your employees on a deeper and personal, you are establishing a position of care that motivates individuals in all sorts of crazy-good ways. It is easy to send a short message in emails, and it is something that won’t cost you much.
Ask them about their immediate goals and projects that interest them; you can also ask them about their life outside of the workplace. You can also reply to them in small exchanges, and you can focus on what needs to get done next and take a breath and chit-chat with your employees; this is already more than most employers do. Remember, all of us are human, and we crave human interaction.
3. Show your appreciation
One thing that most employees will tell you is that they don’t feel appreciated at work. This makes your employees feel that they are valued and have a sense of purpose. By just a couple of words like “thank you”, “you made a difference on this project,” and “nice job”.
A nice way to start is with a simple “thank you,” and this is an active step to show your appreciation. This is a way for your employees to know that they are on the right track and detailed praises show that you are paying attention and that you are as invested in the work as them.
4. Have Fun
Everyone wants to have fun at work- even if everyone’s definition of “fun” is a little different. However, if you take the previous four tips to heart, fun- or a sense of enjoyment and being able to be yourself at work- becomes a more natural part of the job. The fun happens when people feel comfortable working in a team where there is mutual respect, open communication, and acceptance of one another.
Everyone is working together toward a common goal. When teams work well together, it’s easier to be spontaneous and have fun- whether it’s a last-minute soccer Friday party after a project launch or a short break in the afternoon to share stories and laugh about topics that have nothing to do with work.
5. Listen to everyone’s ideas
Your entire team has great ideas. They’re out in the field all day, bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the part of the project they’re focused on. For example, if there’s a way to make spreadsheets more efficient or cold calls more productive, team members know how to do it. It’s tempting to stick to protocol because you know it works well.
But these days, the world moves so fast that no one can afford to stay with the status quo for too long. So make it a rule to listen to new ideas (you could also set aside appropriate time slots for this), and this will show everyone that they are a valuable part of the team. Try out the good ideas; you never know what will happen- except that the team will be more committed to their work and the project outcome, for example.
Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about having a positive work environment.
