Predictive Success Blog

Many businesses are realizing the impact of developing a work environment that is hectic, stressful, or lacking in guidance and support. Workers that find themselves in a negative work setting, tend to be less productive and successful than those that work where there is a positive organizational culture.

If employees are mentally stressed and anxious in their workplace, the consequences can impact both their work and home. According to a recent BBC article, a toxic work environment can cause physical illness, burnout, reduced work attendance, and declines in engagement, productivity, and innovation.

Creating a positive workplace culture not only benefits the business, but more importantly, it establishes employee trust and satisfaction. To understand how to best develop a positive workspace, keep reading for tips and suggestions.

How Can a Business Create a Positive Work Environment?

While transforming a negative workspace to a positive one will take some time, there are six main characteristics of a positive workplace that you can start improving upon on today. These characteristics are:

• Open communication
• Teamwork
• Respect
• Recognition and appreciation
• Safe space
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Based on a recent BBC article, a toxic work environment can cause physical illness, burnout, reduced work attendance, and declines in engagement, productivity, and innovation, which is why it is vital that leaders make an effort to make a more positive culture at work. Improving work cultures in all businesses requires daily effort from CEOs and management teams, as well as all team members. If you are still wondering how to create a positive work environment, start with the following steps.

1. Demonstrate empathy

A boss’s attitude can have a significant affect on their employees. According to a PR Newswire report, 93% of employees said that they were more likely to remain working for an empathic boss, with 82% of employees stating that they would seek out employment elsewhere to find work under an empathetic manager. Being more empathetic towards employees will enhance relationships, develop more personalized approaches, and can strengthen collaboration within teams. When staff members feel that they are heard and cared about, that develops a stronger work culture where employees are more productive and innovative.

2. Encourage team building activities

If you are starting to create a plan for a better culture at work, it is vital that employee relationships are positive and strong. Building trust and camaraderie between employees is one of the most beneficial ways of reducing employee loss. When employees get along and can easily work together to accomplish tasks, it develops a sense of attachment to their workplace because they now have colleagues that they can depend upon and those who depends on them. Social interactions is not only good for employees, it is good for businesses because it makes workers want to be at work and improves productivity.

The value that team building activities brings to a business is that it not only develops relationships with people, but also allows co-workers to be seen in a different setting. It can be difficult to find time to connect with colleagues, especially those in different departments, when you are so focused on doing your tasks. Changing environments from the usual workplace to a fun activity spot gives people the opportunity to be more open and relaxed, where they can engage with co-workers and management in a more personal way can be enough to change the whole culture at work to a more positive one.

3. Be an approachable leader

An important key to creating a positive workplace is to have a trustworthy and approachable leader that the employees want to talk to. Having a boss that encourages those around them to speak freely about challenges they are facing or suggests new ideas that are taken seriously creates an atmosphere of trust and innovation. A recent study found that the more inspiring a leader is, the more those working for them will feel safe and supported, which will result with improved results and outcomes. Creating work cultures where workers feel safe approaching their boss without reprimand or negative attitude will empower individuals and teams to be more successful in their work.

When an organization has a strong leader, word will get out and the right people will be attracted to the company, making it easier to hire compatible candidates. A manager who demonstrates through their work and guidance the core values and beliefs of the business will generate those same qualities in their staff.

4. Go above and beyond

When deciding how to create a positive work environment, one of the most necessary features of a strong leader is to take their time to encourage improvements within their staff.  A good manager will spend extra time working with those who need extra guidance and will find ways that challenge their skills in an appropriate way. Essentially, a boss plays the role of mentor to their employees, so ensuring that everyone has what they need to be successful and can achieve their goals is a main part of their responsibility. Guiding those who need extra patience, compassion, and time, while also pushing those that have extra potential will create a sense of cooperation and strength within the team. A leader who sacrifices their personal time to assist others with their roles, will build a team that is likeminded, which results in a more positive workplace.

Overall, developing a positive workplace culture improves the lives of all those working in that environment. Building a work team that wants to be there, feels dedicated to the work they do, has a positive relationship with their boss, and has the respect of those around them will result with more opportunities and successes. A strong team being, lead by a strong leader who encourages and listens to them will improve mental health, engagement, growth, productivity, and satisfaction for all.