We know what it takes to do the technical sides of our jobs, but one of the main factors that influences how employees feel about work is the overall environment. A work environment encompasses not only the work itself, but other factors such as the relationship with co-workers, managers, organizational culture, training, and development.
A positive work environment provides motivation for the employee to get through the day with as little stress as possible.
If you need help on how to foster a positive work environment, or if you need to know if you currently work within a positive environment, we’ve got you covered. Below are 6 characteristics of a positive work environment.
1. Positive Values
To start, an organization needs to promote positive values to attract a culture of honesty and ethics. A great mission statement is a good place to start. Have frequent meetings about your organization’s philosophy, mission, and values to make sure that your employees know that the company cares more about its workers than just referring to them as numbers. A company that is dedicated to sincere business practices recognizes the need to provide a positive work environment for their employees.
2. Open Communication
Every great relationship revolves around open communication and transparency, and your relationship with your work colleagues is no different.
Open communication allows a safe space for employees to feel that what they have to say has value. Creating an opportunity to have these open discussions helps to get people involved and allows them to share their views and perspectives on how to achieve company goals.
If you are a manager, it is important to get together with your staff during meetings to discuss the organization’s philosophy, mission, and value from time to time to ensure that everyone knows that they offer more to the company than just their service.
3. Work-Life Balance
For us to be successful at our jobs, there must be a healthy balance between work and our personal lives.
When we have balance, there will be little to no feeling as if you are spending more time at work than you are with your family or friends outside of the office. Make sure that the days you have off work are truly your days off. Recharge from a workday by practicing self-care and doing things that make you happy.
4. Training And Development
Due to ever evolving technology, it is important that organizations provide training courses for their employees. Not only does training and development courses keep employees on top of their A-game, but it also gives them access to skills that they can use outside of the company as well.
An organization that is focused into pouring constant training and development into their employees is a company that sustains and enhances the productivity of the organization.
5. Rewards For Hard Work
Positive reinforcement toward employees is a must. I mean really, it is nice to come into a job knowing that if you successfully reach a goal or complete a task, that you’ll get some type of recognition for it.
A company should have a system in place where they reward employees with gifts or special perks when developing and sharing cool ideas or innovative solutions. Keep in mind, rewards often come in the form of bonuses, money or even gift cards, but it doesn’t necessarily always have to be financial.
6. Strong Sense Of Community
A solid team makes it easy for individuals to feel like they are supported. An organization should encourage teams to develop a habit of being vocal about expressing any new innovations, thoughts, or changes that they’d like to see within their department. Teams should consider doing trust building exercises together at least once a week to foster the feeling of community and openness.