What’s the best work environment?
What’s the best work environment?
..and is there an ideal working environment?
What does the best workplace culture look like?
And what does that mean for employee happiness, mood and engagement?
Recently, I was having a conversation about work environments with a friend. She wasn’t feeling great about some changes her workplace was making in the office.
In an effort to turn more agile, her company was changing the labor environment from secluded offices or cubicles to an open floor space plan.
Being an introvert who worked best in quieter environments without distractions, she was not loving this idea.
For her to perform at her top level, she needs separation and focus.
Speaking with another friend about her work environment, she was having a tough time remaining efficient.
She worked in an office that was a lot quieter with very few other people. She was even less efficient when she worked from home.
She thrived on collaboration and speaking with co-workers.
Something she didn’t get in this work environment.
So, what’s an ideal work environment? What makes employees the happiest?
Well, it depends.
People and workplaces are unique.
What makes an ideal work environment in one workplace might not work in another.
The same goes for the Celpax device. What some workplaces do to launch, discuss results or share the results may not work for everyone.
Workplaces find their own rhythm and what works for them.
However, one of the best ways to learn is hearing from others.
What we always suggest is to try and experiment!
So here are qualities that employees and our users identify as making a great work environment.
Try these yourself and see how they affect your workplace environment, and mood:
Communication and Feedback:
Communication is key. Both when it comes to workplace happiness and for a positive work environment.
Our people data show that face to face communication is the fastest way to increase employee engagement. Having real, honest, conversations, The more frequent, the better. Make time to get to know your employees.
Our users ask their employees, “what makes us press the green button?” (And the red!)
Honest communication between managers and employees also contributes to a more transparent workplace. Same goes for the feedback between employees.
Flexibility:
Workplace flexibility is one of the hottest job trends according to Forbes.
According to the article, 40% of the workforce will be freelancers in the next few years.
Flex work is becoming a more popular benefit that employees are demanding.
Of course, we hear more about it in-office environment. But hey, working-class employees need work/life balance, too.
Have much autonomy does your workers have when it comes to choosing shifts? Do you give incentives for people to pick unpopular shifts in your organization?
Collaboration:
Airbnb topped Glassdoor’s list of best places to work.
One of the reasons why employees say it’s so great is the collaborative environment.
Let your employees take a bigger role when it comes to decision making in your business.
Set realistic expectations together and clarify the team and company goals.
Focus on wellbeing:
One of our users, Cosatto emphasize employee well-being throughout the entire company.
They encourage a healthy ‘open door’ policy for employees.
Let your team know that they can speak about how they’re feeling at work at any time.
User Dek Tech takes feedback from employees and then puts it to a vote.
This sends the message that they care. That they’re listening. And most importantly, taking actions to create the best environment to work in.
Recognition:
For many people, recognition is an important motivator.
It helps them feel happier in the workplace.
We’ve talked before about how a simple ‘thank you’ can help improve employee morale - and help to keep up Celpax participation.
What works best in your company culture? Adapt the recognition. If you’re unsure - ask team members. All organizations are different.
Clean and natural lighting:
Remember the physical environment of your workplace.
A safe, clean work environment with bright, natural lighting can be very important for productivity and wellbeing.
Environmental factors like noise can also play a part. And in times of Covid, the cleanliness is of course of even greater importance at your company.
Growing and learning:
If you give opportunities for employees to grow at work, that can play a huge part in employee engagement.
This can propel your workplace culture.
Make sure that employees feel challenged and not too stressed. How? Honest and clear conversations are key. Schedule frequent meetings where you dedicate your full attention to your team.
Get the conversations flowing! Ask open questions like “How can we create the best work environment, together?“. Allow people to dream.
Not everything will be possible to achieve, of course. There are Covid considerations. Or salary limits.
But if you start with fixing small things, that means you’re already on the road to a different work environment. A better one.
This can help you retain talent and attract new talents.
What would help your team grow and learn in their job?
Hey there! I’m Alex, marketing specialist at Celpax and I love helping to create workplaces people love. We’re a for-profit helping workplaces improve employee morale with simple tech tools. Interested in the best environment to work in? Follow Celpax on Twitter, ‘Like’ us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
