It’s a fact — employees are more productive when they work in a good environment. When they’re happy and satisfied, they work harder and are more productive. But what makes a good work environment?
The simple answer is there is no simple answer. But while it may be difficult to pinpoint one specific thing that makes a great work atmosphere, there are several characteristics that are shared by organizations with positive environments. These include:
Adaptability — A flexible work environment will go a long way to keeping employees happy. By allowing people the freedom to make their own decisions, you encourage them to invest in their jobs and give them a real sense of ownership.
Valuing employees — You should do your best as a leader to ensure that everyone feels important to the company, that their work is valued. This also means that when you’re developing policy, it’s important to consider how it will affect all members of the company, from the lowliest part-timer to the top executives.
Caring — This is perhaps the most important characteristic shared by organizations with great environments — the employees feel like their bosses actually care about them. If you didn’t already realize it, just by showing an interest in your workers you can generate a ton of goodwill, both toward yourself and the organization in general.
Balance — If you want your employees to truly enjoy their jobs, it’s critical that you encourage and maintain a work-life balance. This means if you’re cracking the whip and working everyone overtime to get something finished, give them a break when it’s over. Maybe you could let them have the day or at least the morning off. Whatever you do, let your team know that you understand that their personal life is important too.
These are just a few characteristics that are shared by great companies, and by no means should be considered an exhaustive list. But if you want to foster a great culture, you simply cannot afford to ignore your team’s happiness. For more information, sign up for one of our training sessions on the subject including:
Building a Positive, Motivated, and Cooperative Team
How to Engage, Empower, and Encourage Employees
How to Handle Negativity, Bad Attitudes & Toxic People
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I am not a manager but an Employee. I agree that people should be treated with care. My boss that I had before this one was very caring and always went the extra mile for her employees. In fact she left the company because, some of the higher ups were giving her a hard time because she would fight for her employees. I believe she also left because she was afraid one of her employees was going to be laid off for cutbacks. Needless to say they replaced her with one of her employees which meant the cut was never made.
Posted by:
06/09/11 at 11:30 AM
I hear what you are saying V.J. however Managers are not the only ones that can control if staff are happy. I am truly caring, flexible, and compliment my staff all the time. However, I still sometimes get flak when they don't like my decision no matter how I explain it. If they don't agree then MY decision is a BAD decision. It's frustrating dealing with staff who believe they are always right. I make changes when possible but it isn't always possible.
Posted by: Caring but frustrated
04/11/11 at 02:49 PM
This was very timely. i just called our janitorial service regarding the poor cleaning of our business. She's "going to take care of them" I recommended talking/training/and followup. I bet we're looking for a new cleaning service very soon.
Early in my career I had a terrible boss. I vowed that if I ever had a team of employees, I'd treat them the way I would like to be treated. It's actually easy... Genuine care for team members, and compliments regularly. I let them know I'm proud of the work they do, I do reviews regularly, and they know they can come to me in confidence. They know they can count on this.
Posted by: VJ
04/11/11 at 11:44 AM
very informative and useful in todays work enviroment. Working in an every growing diverse environment we need a manager's minute to keep us grounded and remind us why we are managing an ever changing work structure. keep it coming!
Posted by: cheryl, washington DC
04/06/11 at 11:08 AM
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