Fostering a positive environment in the workplace creates happier workers. Happiness is a benefit on its own, but it’s also good for your bottom line. A 2015 study in Harvard Business Review revealed workplaces where the culture could be described as positive also had fewer problems with absenteeism and lost productivity as well as lower health-care expenses and turnover. These same companies boasted higher profits, better recruitment, and better growth.
While many employers offer perks—from office gyms to snacks and video games—perks only go so far to encourage a positive work environment. What really counts is the culture and climate of the office, which is shaped by management and employees together.
Modeling from the Top
A positive workplace culture starts with workplace leadership. Leaders who foster a positive work environment tend to think of employees as a team. They show support and respect for team members who are struggling, either personally or professionally, and offer assistance and solutions. They’re accessible and reliable, clearly expressing their expectations and inviting ideas from the team. Positive leaders also instill a clear sense of value in the company’s mission, so everyone feels their contribution is important.
Positive reinforcement, instead of intimidation, builds employee confidence and lets the team know they are valued and respected. Consistent positive feedback and recognition can be woven into the daily routine. For example, daily emails or a part of the meeting agenda are easy ways to be sure contributions don’t go unnoticed.
Encouraging Social Connections
The human desire to belong is a strong drive, and if people feel they belong in their workplace, they feel more positive about their work in general. Frequent social interaction allows colleagues to build bonds with one another that make them feel invested in the workplace culture. Managers can encourage social meetups and organize events to foster these connections. An added bonus of organized social activities is getting people from different departments or social groups together, which helps prevent cliquishness that can undermine a positive work climate over time.
Mentoring
Social connection and professional support come together through organized mentoring relationships. Mentors provide feedback and support, assisting with struggles and providing the valuable lessons garnered from experience. Mentors also provide a necessary connection to the company’s culture and history. Mentorees, seeing the model their mentors provide, become more open and willing to help their colleagues in turn.
Contributing from All Levels
Even if you’re not in a managerial position, you have power to help shape your office’s culture and climate through your own actions. If your office leadership makes efforts to improve the office climate, engage with those efforts. Respect and recognize your colleagues’ ideas and contributions. Offer to mentor new recruits if a formal mentoring program isn’t in place. Take time to socialize with the people around you and attend events. Deflect or disengage from routine criticism or gossip with gentle humor or a change of topic. You spend most of your waking hours in the workplace, so it’s in everyone’s interest to make it a great place to be.
Sources
Forbes. “Five Great Companies That Get Corporate Culture Right.”
Harvard Business Review. “Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive.”
McKnight’s. “Understanding and Dealing with Negativity in the Workplace.”
Monster. “Ten Signs of a Positive Workplace.”