As a business owner, it’s crucial that you cultivate a positive work environment. It has a powerful impact on performance, morale, and mental health. If your employees work with unfriendly coworkers in a dull office setting, they may not speak up about it, but you’ll likely see a steady stream of resignations and a progressive weakening of your bottom line. Fortunately, there are concrete things you can do to make a difference in your work environment. Here are a few.
1. Hire Great Employees
Successful managers know that a great work environment begins with hiring the right people. As you go through the interview process, be sure that your potential employees are team players, demonstrate professionalism, and have integrity. Keep this in mind as you evaluate the employees already in your company. Any toxicity will contribute to a toxic work environment overall. Know when to provide extra support, and when to let an unpleasant employee go.
2. Encourage Positive Communication
Be intentional and mindful in every interaction with your employees. Workers feel valued and motivated when given sincere positive reinforcement and feedback on how their excellent work is contributing to the success of your company. It’s also important to involve your staff in decisions at a level that’s appropriate for their role within the business and act on their suggestions when you can. Lastly, showing gratitude for hard work is vital. It elevates and transforms every aspect of the work environment — boosting enthusiasm, igniting innovation, and building trust.
3. Design a Comfortable Work Setting
An attractive, clean office will make an impact on how your employees feel about going to work. If it’s possible to bring natural light into the work environment, do so. Shop carefully for your office furniture, making sure it’s appealing to the eye, comfortable, and ergonomic. Provide a way for workers to stand at their desks, stretch out on exercise balls, and view greenery. Allowing your employees to customize their workspaces is a good idea, too.
4. Make Lighting Work for You
Even if you’re not able to incorporate natural lighting into your office, consider your options. Avoid fluorescent light. “Daylight” or blue-enriched bulbs can increase mood and work performance. Use these lights in rooms for active work. Use warmer, more soothing tones in break rooms and casual meeting rooms to encourage calm and relaxation.
Both interpersonal and environmental factors are important to consider when cultivating your work environment. Try these suggestions to see improvement.