Whether you’re a startup, or a large-sized company, in today’s hyper-competitive business world, you must know that a positive working environment is essential for workplace culture and employee experience which directly affects the organization’s goodwill.
Since startups usually have to work long hours and attend endless meetings and conference calls with potential clients and investors, you must put time and effort into creating a positive working environment. If not, it may affect the ability to cooperate, the organization’s morale and lead to increased absenteeism which, in turn, can damage the growth of your startup.
Building a positive working environment will influence your employees’ stress levels, as well as their productivity. Moreover, according to SnackNation, employees who are satisfied with their jobs are more likely to go the extra mile. So, by investing in these key areas, as a startup owner, you’ll create a positive company culture that will attract and retain the lifeline of your business.
Below, we share a useful guide to building a positive working environment as the best route to the success of your startup.
Staff Meetings
Regular meetings that include both staff and management can really help clear up misunderstandings and create positivity. These meetings should not only convey one-way information from the management, but the employees should also have the opportunity to provide information to those who hold a higher position within the company.
Such meetings are often held very sporadically and often end when the management has something important to say. Instead, try to create an encouraging environment that will create better communication within the company, making it easier for employees to voice their opinions on issues.
Look for Solutions Together
Teaching employees how to effectively tackle problems can be very valuable, it saves time and creates solutions quickly before the problem grows even bigger. Openness is another factor that greatly affects the mood at work. Ask the staff to come directly to you as a leader as soon as problems arise, also ask if they have any ideas or potential solutions. This enables employees to have their opinions heard and to participate more actively in decision-making.
We all have different backgrounds and experiences. Be patient and respectful and make sure that new colleagues are also allowed to speak. They can approach a problem with new eyes and contribute from entirely new perspectives.
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Encourage Breaks
Not having enough breaks during the day often leads to fatigue, irritation, and impatience. By encouraging your employees to take frequent breaks throughout the day, you create an opportunity for rest and recovery. Many negative situations arise because people are simply tired. Situations like this can easily escalate, but in many cases could’ve been avoided if the people in question had been more rested.
Continuous breaks at work lead to staff gaining more energy and being able to work more efficiently while at the same time reducing negativity and stress. Keep in mind that a break doesn’t have to last for longer periods. Sometimes short 5-minute breaks can be enough for employees to breathe out, stretch their legs and simply relax.
Give Feedback and Praise
Giving your employees recognition is a vital part of maintaining morale in the workplace. This is one of the most powerful tools that organizations can use to create a positive work environment. That being said, it’s easy to forget this simple but important aspect, and unfortunately, employees all too rarely get acknowledgment or feedback on their performance.
Try to create a schedule where you write down who and why has received feedback/recognition. It is important that everyone in the workforce feels that they are contributing to the company’s success.
Lead by Example
If the management cannot keep their emotions in check, they cannot demand that the employees behave in an exemplary manner. To lead by example is exactly what you have to do for others to follow in the same footsteps. Set a good example and your employees will do the same.
Try to refrain from gossip, don’t try to assert yourself. Instead, develop a positive attitude and show respect for all your employees. By being fair and controlled in all situations that arise, you will gain a great deal of trust from the employees, which in turn means that they come to you when negative situations need to be resolved.
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Conclusion
Employees are the cornerstone to business success. A startup will only be as strong as the people that work there so creating an environment that allows them to thrive is a must.
Many of the abovementioned tips have shown to be effective when implemented in a small business setting. A positive work environment will boost employee morale, encourage better job performance, lead to higher profits, and strong corporate culture.