As a conscientious business owner, you know that establishing and cultivating a positive work environment improves efficiency, productivity, retention, and morale. The mental health, performance, mood, and drive of your workers are at stake. If the office setting is dreary and the atmosphere unfriendly, confidence and job satisfaction plummets. You want the opposite to happen, so it’s critical to make the environment a priority.
In positive work environments, employees are deeply engaged and motivated. Their job satisfaction is high, and they’re less likely to seek outside employment. Decreased stress levels lead to better focus and improved creativity. Frequent absenteeism and medical/workers’ compensation claims go down. It’s a healthier situation for everyone involved. Here are four key areas to examine.
1. Communication
Be aware and astute as you interact with employees. Both upper management and team members should be mindful of their communication methods and their effect on the overall work environment. When you offer feedback, be specific, kind, and measured. You should be open to receiving feedback as well. Show gratitude consistently, both for major gains and small improvements.
2. Comfort
Is your office clean and attractive? It makes a big difference. Provide an uplifting, relaxing atmosphere with ergonomically correct furniture, well-maintained equipment, and amenities that employees will appreciate. Give your workers a budget to purchase things like plants and exercise balls. Within reason, trust employees to manage their time effectively as long as they get their work done within a pre-determined time frame.
3. Team Quality
If you’re going to give employees independence and latitude, you must make high-quality hires. A positive work environment begins with hiring an honest, professional team. As individuals, they need to be able to work well with others. Toxicity of any sort has a domino effect, making the work atmosphere tense and guarded. Screen thoroughly for it, and nip it in the bud if it occurs.
4. Lighting
Employees’ attitudes and performance are inextricably linked to the quality of lighting in the office space. Consistent exposure to natural light boosts energy, mood, and mental health, leading to improved productivity and focus. Incorporating natural lighting through windows and skylights is the ideal option. If that’s not possible, use blue-enriched light bulbs to increase work performance and happiness and reduce fatigue. Meetings and break rooms may incorporate warmer tones, and conference rooms should be bright enough to keep employees alert.
Cultivating a positive workspace requires attention to both environmental and interpersonal factors. Consider these suggestions as you build your business.