When a work environment is negative, the employees, the organization, and their customers suffer.
A negative work environment is characterized by dysfunctional relationships, bad communication, low morale, and high turnover.
It experiences:
- lower productivity,
- lower quality,
- lower customer satisfaction, and
- lower profitability.
In addition, potential job applicants are turned off, which makes it difficult to fill vacant positions to maintain service and production levels.
In order to survive and thrive today, organizations need to become employers of choice.
Here are twelve steps an organization can take to develop a positive work environment that will attract and retain high performing employees:
- Establish a clear vision and orientation.
Make the mission obvious and ensure that employees know and accept their specific roles and responsibilities as they work towards shared goals.
- Give employees meaningful work.
Employees will be more enthusiastic and invested in getting the work done well, which will satisfy customers and increase profitability.
- Make teamwork and collaboration top priorities.
Help employees accept and tolerate differences in perspectives and working styles as they work together towards a common goal.
- Recognize and reward hard work.
Acknowledge and reward employees’ efforts so that they feel valued and motivated to continue to do their best.
- Encourage creativity and new ideas.
Employees will take ownership of their work when they are empowered to bring new ideas and process improvements to managers who are receptive.
- Serve as a positive role model.
Demonstrate on a daily basis the positive behaviors the organization expects of all employees to confirm that the organization “walks its talk.”
- Provide clear, concise and consistent communications.
Employees will have less stress and perform more efficiently and effectively if they consistently receive clear and complete information.
- Ensure that necessary resources are available.
Employees will perform their jobs safely and efficiently if the tools and equipment they need are available and maintained in good working condition.
- Promote a healthy and enjoyable social environment.
When employees enjoy each other’s company and form friendships, they will care for each other’s well-being.
- Encourage work/life balance.
A sense of balance between work and personal life will improve employees’ job satisfaction and enable them to perform at their best.
- Invest in training and development.
Building employees’ competencies will help the employees feel valued, enhance organizational productivity, and ensure that the organization is prepared to meet future challenges.
- Provide coaching support.
Work cooperatively and constructively to develop employees’ new skills and help them learn how to resolve their performance challenges.
If an organization actively takes these steps, the resulting high employee morale and engagement will lead to higher productivity, better customer service, and greater profitability.
It will also help to retain high performers and make it easier to attract new talent.
Employees are the lifeblood of organizations.
Becoming an employer of choice is a necessity.
Question: Is your organization already an employer of choice? If not, what does your organization need to work on?
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
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