Workplace culture is at a pivotal point. Some organizations are doing it right, some are moving in the right direction but still have a long way to go, and some are stuck firmly in the past. The best organizations today understand that creating a great office culture is a crucial success factor and use this as one of their key differentiators from other organizations in their space.
6 Effective Tips to Improve Workplace Culture of Your Organization
1. Promote Work-Life Balance
No matter what type of business you run, your employees are most productive when they have time off to rest and recuperate. Bill Schantz says that employees who regularly work long hours are less productive than their counterparts who log out at the end of the day and go home to relax. When employees do not have time for themselves, they burn out quickly and might even begin looking for a new job. Give them time to recharge; when they return from vacation or after taking a long weekend, they’ll be ready to tackle any problems that come their way.
2. Create Transparency
A lack of transparency is something that many more giant corporations struggle with. As an employer, this is something that needs to be addressed immediately. When employees do not have access to information like financial statements, they feel like their opinions do not matter and that their input is not needed or wanted. No one likes feeling expendable or unappreciated — so make sure that your workers know how much they mean to you by creating transparency in your organization.
3. Listen to Feedback
Companies that want to improve workplace culture should listen carefully to employee feedback and encourage them to suggest how the company could do things differently or better. Then the company should take action based on that feedback – at least those suggestions that would not break the bank.
4. Recognize Employees
A simple “thank you” or “well done” can have a big impact. And it is not just about getting recognized for doing something well — it is about getting recognized for simply being yourself at work. Bill Schantz advises to take some time to recognize one employee for being themselves — whether they have an excellent attitude or because they are always willing to lend an ear to someone who needs one.
5. Encourage Collaboration
Collaboration among employees is essential for any business because it leads to better decision-making and innovation. Plus, employees have more fun when they work together toward shared goals. So make sure your team members feel comfortable working together.
6. Lead by Example
Your employees will take their cues from you and other leadership team members. If you want people to be punctual, productive, and determined to reach the next level, you must do the same in your role as a leader. This is why it is so vital for leaders to be available and visible — whether they are joining employees for lunch or making themselves accessible during off-hours via email or phone if an emergency arises at work.
Summing Up
In short, Bill Schantz says that firms and workers can benefit when you improve workplace culture by fostering a sense of camaraderie, promoting openness and access for all employees, and providing resources to cultivate well-being. This will improve the employees’ experience at work and the overall results of the organization.
