5 Ways To Foster A Positive Workplace

Those of us who’ve worked somewhere that was disorganized or even toxic know they’re unpleasant places to work. In the short term, it may be alright, but an unpleasant work environment inevitably has a negative effect on staff and customers. As such, businesses need to foster a positive workplace for staff so they engage better and create a positive customer experience. There are several ways to improve your company’s workplace culture.

Training

Coming into a new position only to discover that everyone is too busy to give you the complete training necessary is disheartening. From the start, that employee feels unappreciated and on the back foot. Ensuring all staff is given the appropriate training and support from day one sets the groundwork for a good work environment. Access to further training opportunities allows staff career development, which keeps motivation and engagement high.

Make A Safe, Comfortable Space

The physical environment people work in plays a significant part in how they feel about working each day. If the office is uncomfortable or the warehouse is unsafe, workers aren’t going to feel enthusiastic about turning up each day. Assess the workspaces within your business and consider if they need changes made. Safety should be the prime objective as workplace hazards open the company to potential lawsuits.

Next, look at the comfort of the staff. Not all offices have the space for break-out areas but providing staff with suitable desks and chairs is an excellent start. So many businesses give the top band employees new chairs and shuffle the cast-offs down the line. Junior-level staff with old, creaky chairs that have shot hydraulics are uncomfortable and resentful. Instead, ensure all staff has comfortable, correctly functioning furniture, adequate lighting, and a pleasant environment for their workday.

Look After Your Staff

Many workplaces prefer staff to keep work and personal lives separate. The reality is that this isn’t possible as people carry thoughts and experiences with them constantly. By recognizing this and putting in measures to protect employees’ mental and physical health benefits everybody. Employee Assistance Programs are excellent for giving staff access to various medical support and reducing sick leave. Reduced sick leave takes the pressure off the rest of the staff, who then don’t become overworked, stressed, and on leave themselves.

Give Recognition

Recognizing when a staff member has done well lets them know their hard work has been noticed and appreciated. How and when to give praise and recognition needs some forethought to ensure it hits correctly. There will be times when a private message is appropriate and other times when a public declaration is required. And understanding the person getting public praise is essential, as someone with anxiety mightn’t appreciate being made to stand in front of two hundred people.

When you consider these things and start to change your company’s workplace culture, it’ll be surprising how quickly the atmosphere improves. There may be some resistance and set back along the way, but overall, you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a positive workplace.