3 Ways to Create a Positive Workplace

 

3 Ways to Create a Positive Workplace

By: Resourceology360

Managing employees is not easy and when you’re managing a workplace it is important that you create to culture for healthy and happy employees. Do happy employees mean as a leader you have to do everything that employees ask of you? Absolutely not. Will a positive culture make everyone happy? Probably not. As a leader it is critical and advantageous that you create culture that breeds positive attitudes in the workplace.

Creating a positive environment where employees feel valued can lead to higher productivity and increased revenue.

Here are 3 ways you can create a more positive work environment:

1.  Onboard Employees Properly

 You have one shot at a first impression there are no do overs. During the onboarding process you have the opportunity to properly introduce employees to the company and set the expectations. In order to do this there should be a well-structured on-boarding program spread out over a minimum of two weeks that will introduce new hires to the company culture, internal processes, and role expectations.  If possible, provide new hires with a mentor or have another leader shadow them for the onboarding period.
 The new hires should be fully aware of the Employee Handbook, this serves as a guide and reminder of the companies’ policies and expectations for everyone. Employees are more productive and have a sense of inclusion when they are onboarded properly.

    2.   Communication

Open lines of communication are very important to having a positive workplace. When employees are included and or have firsthand knowledge of company changes or new policies immediately it helps to build trust. Poor communication will negatively impact customer interaction, employee retention, productivity, and revenue.
Managers should always place communication at the top of the list and lead by example to make employees feel they are valued and have a trusting workplace.  Positive communication includes how you speak to one another in the workplace. Respect goes a long way.

    3. Lead by example

·       Good managers don’t lead from the sidelines they get in the trenches with their employees, managers need to understand the ins and outs of the employee’s day to day as well as the business. To do this you have to know your team and be in alignment with the business goals. It won’t work otherwise.

·       Listen to your employees they have great ideas and because they are on the front line, they may see things a little different than managers and are able to provide feedback that can impact the bottom line and improve some processes.

·       Remember, you can’t take back a bad choice of words. Employees are always watching and they take their cue from the way you lead. If you are a non-supportive manager then expect that you will have challenges gaining trust from the team you lead.

·       Trust that your training employees is enough and you trust your team to do a great job. Don’t hover.

·       Own your mistakes. You are human and so are your employees. Employees are more understanding if you take responsibility for mistakes.

 

It takes a lot to create a positive workplace and it is absolutely worth it to put in the work. Happy employees’ equal growth and increased productivity.