Does it feel like every day in the office is a downer? Your staff aren’t happy, constantly come in late, and it seems like the office is lacking motivation.
If that sounds familiar, you might have a problem with workplace negativity. Workplaces can quickly become toxic if staff are unhappy, don’t feel appreciated, or are disappointed with decisions made by the company.
This is a tough situation, but the good news is that a skilled management team can turn things around.
Do you need to foster a more positive workplace environment? If so, keep reading to find some of the best ways to boost employee and office morale.
Create a Thorough Onboarding Process
If you want to create a more positive place to work, it starts from day one of a new employee joining the company. You want to absorb your new team members into the fold as softly as possible.
That way, they don’t feel like they’re being forced to sink or swim.
Take the time to introduce a new staff member to all staff and welcome them. Create a comprehensive onboarding process where they feel comfortable asking questions, learning, and settling into their role.
However, staff education isn’t just for new hires. Your company should place an emphasis on training and learning for all employees, so that staff feel informed and empowered in their roles.
Regular training sessions are great for team building, networking, and upskilling.
Ask Staff for Feedback
Often, workplaces become toxic because staff feel like they’re not appreciated by management or aren’t valued. If you want to create a better workplace, make sure staff feel comfortable speaking up and giving their opinions.
Your employees are the front line of the business, spending every day in the office. They often hear and see more than management, so their opinions are important in improving the company.
Encourage staff to give feedback about what they like about the office and where they see room for improvement. An anonymous survey can be a good way to approach this, so staff feel able to give brutally honest opinions without fear of criticism.
Staff should always feel comfortable coming to management with concerns, ideas, or suggestions.
Just be sure asking for feedback isn’t tokenistic. Put serious thought into what your staff tell you and make improvements based on their ideas.
Design a Comfortable Office Environment
We spend long hours each day in our work environment, and tensions can run high when people are forced to work in a cramped, uninspiring workspace.
Give your staff the best possible chance to be happy at work by creating a welcoming, pleasant, and comfortable office space. Provide employees with spacious desks and ergonomic chairs and keyboards.
Also, make sure you also offer a climate-controlled office that’s not too hot or cold.
A comfortable environment should also have plenty of natural light streaming in. Natural light has plenty of benefits for staff.
It’s easier on the eyes than fluorescent lighting and boosts Vitamin D production. Plus, it can even help ward off seasonal depression, which happens in the winter months.
An enjoyable work environment will help staff feel more comfortable and relaxed in the office. This is sure to boost productivity and morale.
Encourage Wellness
All employees need to have a work-life balance, so make an effort to help your staff with wellness. Pushing your staff to work long hours leads to stress, fatigue, and arguments, so it’s actually counterproductive to productivity.
Instead, put an emphasis on looking after both mental and physical health in the workplace. Encourage staff to exercise and go outside at lunch, offer standing desks for those who want them, and provide fresh fruit or healthy snacks in the breakroom.
Companies should also offer an EAP, or employee assistance program. This is a free resource for staff where they can get help with any issues bathing them, whether they’re financial, emotional, or personal.
Lead By Example
If you want to increase positivity in the office, lead by example. What kind of manager are you?
Is your door always open and do you encourage staff to come to you for help? Or, is your door always closed and you never have time for your staff?
You can imagine which type of manager is better for workplace positivity. Managers set the tone for a workplace, so you always want to lead by example.
If you and your management team could use tips on leadership, fostering workplace relationships, and changing the vibe of the office, a training course through an organization like Veraison can help.
Make Time for Team Bonding
Sometimes, you need to put down the notebooks and head out to lunch. Don’t neglect the importance of team building in the workplace!
Staff bonding is essential for employees to get to know each other. It can improve communications and help staff understand where their colleagues are coming from.
Treat staff to a lunch out, a morning coffee, or an after-work outing where they can spend quality time together, have fun, and destress outside of the office.
Foster a Positive Workplace Environment With These Tips
We might spend 40 hours a week at the office, but that doesn’t mean the working week can’t be enjoyable! If your office could use a morale boost, use the tips above to create a more positive workplace environment.
If your employees are happier, your company is going to enjoy increased productivity, fewer staff arguments. You’ll also notice fewer personal days due to staff stress and higher staff retention rates.
Start making positive changes today and you’re sure to reap the benefits of a healthier, more productive office.
