There are immeasurable benefits to having a positive workplace environment. The benefits are for both the employees and the company itself which is why it is so essential for managers and others on the leadership team to take an active approach to creating a positive working environment. Whether it is in an office environment or a manufacturing facility or any other type of work, it is important to do everything possible to have a positive workplace.
A positive working environment will help improve the overall productivity rate, create happier workers, improve morale and help to lower the overall turnover rate. These are many different ways companies can help encourage these types of positive changes. The important thing when taking steps to improve the workplace environment is to make sure the changes are directed toward the employees and their wants and needs, not just what the management team would like them to be.
Set an Example
Setting an example for how to act while at work is essential for any company. If the management and leadership are not conducting themselves in a way which has a positive impact on the workplace, nobody else will either.
Focus on Positives
No matter how good someone is there will be mistakes made, and this is just a part of working with other people. Rather than focusing on any negative things that go on at work it is better to quickly address the issue and move on. When things are done exceptionally well, however, make sure to focus on this and share it with others. Corrective action should always be done in private, but rewarding positive behavior should be done in public so everyone can benefit.
Improve Communication Skills
Many problems in all types of work environments are caused by miscommunications. Most people don’t even realize when they have been misunderstood and just believe that the other parties are either incompetent or out to get them. In most cases people want to do well and think they are doing the right thing. Helping people learn to communicate more effectively is a great way to limit conflict and ensure people are working together in a more effective way.
Create Positive Team Spirit
Most companies are split up into multiple different teams, and fostering team spirit within these areas is a great way to improve the work environment. When done properly there can be friendly competition between teams, which helps strengthen the workplace environment. Encourage the entire company to work together as one team is also a great way to improve the way things are done and help people across division lines to get to know each other better.
Respectfulness
Encouraging people to respect others is essential. Even when there is a disagreement it is possible to work it out without becoming disrespectful. By recognizing that everyone is there to do a good job it is easier to overcome obstacles and conflict in a positive and productive way. When people in a company respect each other they can accomplish far more than would otherwise be possible.
Additional Resources
- How to Implement 5S in an Organization– creativesafetysupply.com
- Mistakes Can Be Good for Business– lean-news.com
- Negative Impact of a 5S First Approach?– 5snews.com
- 5 Common Office Injuries That You Can Avoid– blog.creativesafetysupply.com
- How to Get Employees More Involved– blog.5stoday.com
- What is Gemba & How it Can Benefit Your Facility– iecieeechallenge.org
- Human Factors – How Do They Impact Safety?– realsafety.org
- Going to the Gemba vs MBWA– jakegoeslean.com
- Accident Prevention in the Workplace– safetyblognews.com