Building a strong team is a two-way street. On one side, your employees agree to use their talents and experience to propel your company forward. In return, companies provide support and compensation for their work. When it comes to providing support, it goes well beyond supplying employees with the tools and equipment needed to do their jobs. It also involves supporting the intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of employees as well. All of these things can be combined to create a positive work environment for your employees. Creating a positive work environment is critical to the success of any company because it greatly influences an employee’s attitude toward their job. The better their attitude toward their work, the better their performance and the higher their productivity. Follow these steps to develop a positive work environment that motivates your employees to grow.
Know Industry Standards
The first step in creating a positive work environment is to research the type of pay and benefits similar companies in your industry offer. This will help you determine a fair compensation package for your employees. Although there is so much more to a job than money, employees who feel underpaid are unlikely to stick around for long. Therefore, seek to offer competitive pay, great health insurance, generous time off, and flexible work schedules if you want to show your employees you appreciate them.
Prioritize Onboarding and Training
For those who are starting a new job, onboarding can feel very daunting, and if not done well, can directly affect retention. In fact, 20% of all turnover happens in the first 45 days. It is crucial to cultivate a positive working environment for an employee during those first couple weeks. Create opportunities for new employees to meet other staff members, learn about company policies and procedures, and share expectations. Incorporate a buddy system or mentor program and provide adequate training so your employees seamlessly transition to their new roles.
Look at the Physical Work Environment
Your physical workspace can greatly impact employee morale and productivity. Some employees might prefer coming into an office to work while others might prefer a more hybrid approach. If possible, be flexible with the individual needs of your employees and support them in finding the environment where they will be most comfortable. In the office, set up collaborative work spaces that encourage employees to talk freely with one another.
Host Company Events
All work and no play equals no fun. Research has shown that having fun in the workplace boosts company spirit and helps promote a sense of belonging. In turn, this leads to increased motivation, engagement and productivity. Company events are a great way to bring a team together and build strong relationships outside of the workplace. You could host a pot-luck lunch, a company picnic, an afternoon happy hour, or even attend a sporting event together. The possibilities are endless and so are the benefits.
Encourage Communication
As a leader, it is your job to make sure everyone feels like they have a voice. Open and honest communication fosters a sense of unity and builds a team’s foundation. Provide regular feedback to your team members and invite them to share their feedback as well. Ask for input about projects or company happenings and encourage your team to share their ideas and contribute their talents.
Provide Opportunities for Career Development
Offering growth opportunities, whether in the form of a promotion or continuing education courses, shows your employees that you are invested in their future. Not only does this help them continue learning new skills, it also creates a career path which can improve their overall engagement.