A great workplace is the result of many contributing factors working together smoothly. At the foundation, we have a strong team who are dedicated to their jobs, but there are also many additional elements that need to fall into place. The conception of what makes a ‘great’ workplace is of course individual, but when it comes to a work environment that many feel comfortable in, many of the contributing factors are usually universal.
For example, these could be the relationship and communication you have with colleagues, that you are encouraged to test your strengths and develop personally in your career and the culture and attitude of the organization.
There are many benefits to creating a positive work environment. The main reason is that it motivates people and makes them feel good about coming to work.
There is communication
Communication could be the single most important factor every workplace should have, but unfortunately, it is instead where many workplaces fail. To be able to communicate with your co-workers as well as your mangers is essential if you want to create a functioning environment where everyone is satisfied. Communication leads to successful collaboration in the workplace.
This type of communication includes sharing ideas, thoughts and opinions and getting helpful feedback in return. Every employee wants to feel included and know that they are making an impact on the organization.
Lack of communication has proven to lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and unnecessary drama. But it is also important to figure out what type of communication works best for everyone. Some might prefer weekly meetings with brainstorming sessions, whilst others are most creative when they get to create at their own pace and then come up with a plan that they later want to share.
Praise is given when fit
Being rewarded or praised for doing a great job is something that many people appreciate. Once you’ve put time and effort into something that performed well, you often want to feel celebrated. As a team, it is important to lift each other up and give praise to colleagues. This could be done by writing a nice message in a group chat, or to stop by your co-worker’s desk and mention you think they did a good job.
As a manager, it is also important to show your appreciation when someone has done a good job. The point is to build employers up, making them feel appreciated and giving them the drive and motivation they need. Perhaps with a raise but if it is not possible, a bonus could be a nice gesture.
You have a shared focus on getting results
At a great workplace, the people working have a shared focus to reach goals. They set goals together as well as individually and are determined to reach them by working together. This means everyone has a clear insight into what they should do and how they can contribute. Having shared goals is also a great exercise to see how good team communication is and how well your team can collaborate.
When setting your shared goals, think about:
- The result you all want to see
- That the goals are attainable and realistic
- How to best create an action plan
- Make sure you have enough time
- Have a meeting halfway to evaluate where you are in the process
When reaching set goals you should take the time to celebrate together as a team, as well as remembering to have fun together during the process of reaching your goals. When working closely together co-workers tend to become friends and people you want to hang you with even after work. This will only grow your team spirit.
Everyone has room to develop
As an employee you don’t want to be stuck in the same tracks your whole career, most people thrive when they get to learn new things and has room to develop. A great workplace will give everyone the chance to learn more, take courses and develop their skills. Many have a special area they are extra interested in or they want to be experts in their field. At some point, they need to learn from others and create new ways of thinking to be able to reach those goals.