Creating a Positive Working Environment

by | Aug 16, 2024 | HR Blog

This blog is written by Liza Miles, family and workplace mediator and McKinney HR Associate.

Workplaces, like family life, all have their fair share of days where not everything goes so well. The difficulty with organizational environments is that when negativity isn’t recognised at the outset, it can waft through the environment and hover. It can impact creativity, output and efficiency.

Here are some tips to prevent negativity taking a hold on your workplace:

The watercooler or kitchen offers a space to chat about the latest games or Netflix offerings, but it can also become a dumping ground for moans and complaints especially if it’s dark, dirty or uncomfortable. Offer a welcoming space for employees to groups that reflect positivity. This can include access to an outside view, plants, making sure the space is uncluttered, with pictures or posters that reflect the values of your organisation. Include a weekly ‘cake or candy day’, a bowl of fruit or books. A noticeboard signposting to local events/offers and self-care.

A personal thank you for a job well done, or something that you observe an employee or colleague doing well will rub off and hopefully encourage copycat behaviour. A bit like one smile starts another, you will build a cascade of well-done and thank you responses among the staff, reflecting the positive values in your organisation.

A five-to-ten-minute stand-up check-in at the beginning of the day can boost a team’s sense of togetherness. This is not a space to vent or manage conflict. Create an opportunity for each member to say something they are looking forward to – it doesn’t have to be work related – or where someone can ask for help with a task coming up later. Keeping it short is the key, hence standing up. That said – be aware of any employees who may need to be seated and organise accordingly.

Inclusivity isn’t just a slogan. Extroverts might outnumber introverts. Try to create a space where everyone feels that their voice is important. Don’t put the shy introvert on the spot in a group. Do a one-to-one check in casually, take them a cup of tea, or just drop by their desk. Be curious, but not invasive, and respect their need for privacy.

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