How to Make a Better Workplace? 6 Effective Methods
People spend about a third of their lives working so it’s vital that they feel comfortable and at ease at work. We take a look at some of the ways you can make a better workplace environment.
Why do we need a better workplace?
A better workplace is essential for employees' wellbeing and the overall success of a business. When employees work in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and satisfied with their jobs. A better workplace can also lead to a lower turnover rate, reducing the cost and time spent on recruiting and training new employees.
Moreover, a better workplace can positively impact the company's bottom line by increasing customer satisfaction, improving the quality of products or services, and driving innovation and creativity. A workplace culture that promotes open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning can inspire employees to share ideas, work together, and find new solutions to problems.
How to create a better work environment?
It’s impossible to enjoy your job all the time, but the kind of environment you work in - and the workplace culture that surrounds it - has a massive impact on how you feel about your job and colleagues.
Here are a 6 ways to create a better workplace environment that boosts business communication, employee engagement and productivity.
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Build a communicative workplace
There’s nothing worse than a workplace where the only sounds are the relentless tapping of keyboards and an occasional sigh. The so-called ‘pin drop syndrome’, when it’s so quiet people feel afraid to speak, is the bugbear of many employees. Take steps to encourage your employees to talk to one another.
You could dedicate a specific area in the workspace for people to relax and have a friendly chat. It could be a place where they can catch up over lunch or exchange ideas about an upcoming project. And, of course, corporate communication doesn’t always have to be face to face.
Technology can help keep the conversation going wherever people do their work. Encourage your hybrid teams to use video calls or a Live broadcast to keep the conversation going and take advantage of everything that modern video engagement has to offer.
But it’s not just about employees communicating together. Nearly 85% of Gen Yers said they would feel more confident if they had more frequent conversations with their managers. So, keep your door open, metaphorically and physically.
Encourage exercise
Exercise can improve health, mood, and productivity. Get people moving. If the roles in your organization are mainly sedentary, encourage people to take breaks and walk around.
And if you’re feeling inventive, why not make your workplace pet-friendly? Taking a dog around the block is a great way to take a break and relax and it’s a popular idea – 40% of Gen Yers say they want a dog-friendly office.
Plus, pets in the workplace have been shown to lower stress levels and create a comfortable environment.
Show your appreciation
Naturally, everyone likes to earn praise, and letting people know when they’re doing a good job is a great motivator. Not only that, it can be a critical part of the way you build strong workplace culture and community at work.
But technology can help, too. Try integrating your communiation platform with specialist recognition and reward tool. An app like Recognize can help you easily show your appreciation without having to swap screens or systems. And it can also help you keep hold of your top talent and communicate your organizational values. By having everything in one place you can control costs, gauge results and create consistency across the company.
Create a workplace like home
Modern approaches to workspace design are an important part of employee satisfaction. A physically comfortable space where people can feel at ease will help to improve mood and provide a better day-to-day working experience.
In the office, make sure furniture is comfortable and ergonomic and add some plants – they’re a great mood and productivity booster.
In non-office environments make sure you provide lots of break out areas where staff can take five, grab a drink and catch up with their co-workers.
Make the most of the light
Exposure to natural daylight in the workplace is linked to better efficiency and better sleep. A lack of it is associated with feelings of tension and isolation.
Design workstations so employees can enjoy natural light. In workspaces where you can’t access natural light try daylight bulbs to brighten things up and lighten the mood.
Take time off together
Overworked people tend to be unproductive, so make sure you allow time to have fun. Organize activities for your team to when they’re off-duty to give them a chance to let off steam and bond.
Arranging work snacks and drinks at the end of the week is an easy way to do this. Enabling people to relax and socialize together is an easy and time-honored way to build better workplace interactions and develop a better workplace environment.
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