It is not simple to create a healthy work atmosphere that allows people to thrive. Trial and error will very certainly be a part of the process of achieving a perfect workplace, or as near to an ideal workplace as is feasible. How do you create a work environment that lets employees thrive?
How to Create a Work Environment That Lets Employees Thrive
When hunting for a job it always seems like the one seeking to secure a job is the only struggling party. But employers have just as much anxiety about the recruiting process as candidates.
Not only that but striving to keep valuable individuals within the company is another anxiety-inducing thought. Before the situation even warrants a new recruiting process, it’s invaluable to cultivate a work environment where employees will thrive. But how to go about creating this kind of work environment?
Leading by Example
Be it a CEO or a project manager, the example set by a leader can inspire employees. How a leader can achieve this is by keeping up to date on what exactly the company does and even stepping in to help with that work. A leader that doesn’t shy away from getting their hands dirty appears closer to their employees.
Clear communication expressed confidently and listening, are other key factors that fall under exemplary leadership. It’s important to both listen and communicate in a work environment so that all parties have an understanding of what is required and what can be done.
This communication also needs to be expressed with accountability, which implies owning one’s decisions and mistakes. A leader isn’t infallible and as such mistakes happen on both sides, employers included.
Display Employee Value with Adequate Compensation
It may seem like an obvious statement, but the salary is one factor that will keep employees within the company. The security of a stable job is something that will ease minds and permit employees to thrive. Apart from the salary, however, many companies offer certain rewards with their compensation package.
Included in this package there can be a pension scheme, and health insurance, which may or may not include a dental plan. Depending on the size of a company there could also be other rewards, like paid online classes, free parking close to the office, paid holidays off, or even a flexible schedule. Making all this information clear from the start offers a visual representation of an employee’s worth, and creates a space that values transparency and merit.
Provide Healthy Food and Water
An interest in your employees’ health and wellbeing is a surefire way to demonstrate and cultivate a good work environment. Not only will you be contributing to workplace health but, adequate food and fresh, possibly even filtered water, will help with focus and concentration.
Water coolers or filtering pitchers around the office will serve as another visual indicator of the physical well-being of one’s employees. BOS is a leading example of where water filtering devices can be found that also illustrate their capabilities and functionalities.
Encourage Diversity and Inclusion
People from all walks of life and backgrounds make up the fabric of society across the world. This is something that should reflect in a company team of workers so that the environment reads as one that exudes inclusivity and relishes diversity. Talent can be found in many different people and having the opportunity to be judged by knowledge and skill rather than outward appearance is a concept that many companies live by.
This mindset encourages people to be their true selves and not put on a face that will look more flashy but serves no real value when faced with actual skills needed to do the job. This kind of inclusivity will only widen the knowledge pool and provide an ample set of talents.
Team Building and Connection
Just as essential is to be able to make employees connect with one another. A safe, welcoming, and warm working environment is one that will motivate connectivity. Being able to bond with one’s colleagues, makes teamwork all that much smoother.
Collaboration and socialization often work hand in hand, which means being able to connect outside of work during breaks. These kinds of interactions will strengthen the workplace environment.
Show an Interest in Employee Mental Health
4 in 5 employees deem workplace stress as one that affects social relationships outside of work. As such, companies have begun to take a more active interest in their employees’ mental health. A more open-mindedness along with mental health programs will contribute to a healthier workforce with fewer sick leave days or overdue deadlines.
Also, a workplace that promotes open communication will avoid many headaches with resentful refraining from speaking one’s mind. Having disgruntled employees that never say what they want or what is bothering them can lead to a toxic work environment.
Create a Work Environment That Lets Employees Thrive
A healthy work environment that lets employees thrive is not something easy to achieve. Trial and error will most likely be a stage in reaching an ideal workplace or as close to ideal as it can be possible. Many tools are available for employers to utilize, from smaller options like offering healthy food and water, to larger ones like mental health benefits and team-building exercises.