Thoughts

We all know change happens. Change is inevitable. Perhaps when change occurs, we need to take some time and just re-group. You know circle the wagons, fight off the enemies, hold the line, consider options and alternatives,, or whatever terminology you want to use that allows you to take a deep breath and do some self-analysis. What can we do to make things better than before? Let’s focus on the workplace and what makes it a great place to work.

So what makes the workplace – office, factory, brick and mortar store, restaurant, whatever – a great place to work? A great place to work cares about and supports its employees. It challenges employees to take ownership and grow with the company. Employers and their employees trust and respect each other and share a  commitment to company as well as individual success. Great workplaces stive to meet employees’ financial, mental, physical and emotional needs. This results in more productivity, job satisfaction and a willingness to stay with the company longer. Take a moment and think about the number of people who have come and gone from your workplace during the time you have been there.

It is everyone’s responsibility to create a positive work environment, not just the manager or employer. You create an environment that is either toxic and on the constant brink of failure, or one that is productive and setup for success. Kind of like any team sport and its coaching staff – you train and give the team the tools and resources it needs to win and be successful.  A productive work environment enhances employee performance, increases staff retention, and improves customer/client service. 

When evaluating the work environment, think about and grade yourself on these elements:

Respect is the foundation of a productive work environment. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. The best way to promote respect in the workplace is to lead by example.  Respect is contagious.

Teamwork. People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The most  important component of teamwork is that team members are all working toward the same goals. It is important to communicate those goals so everyone is operating on the same page.

Training. Your team is your most valuable asset

and it requires care to make it last and to extend its usefulness. Training is a way to invest in your team. The more knowledge you share with your employees the more productive they will be.

Communication. For people to be a part of a productive work environment, they need to feel like they have a voice. Encourage feedback from everyone. Take the time during team meetings or even one-one-one encounters to ask specific questions about client service, marketing ideas, company policies and procedures, and so on. Get everyone involved.

Opportunity. When you operate with a promote-from-within strategy, employees will see the benefits of considering and/or creating a career path. Set employees up for success by providing training and support for employees in new positions.

Okay, time for honesty. What grade would you give yourself personally in the “creates positive work environment” category? What grade would you give your workplace in that same category? Personally, I know I have much room for improvement.

Bringing it Home

We all know change is coming. Again, change is inevitable. Most of us are not in a position to determine the changes that take place. However, just as the Team at Vandenack Weaver strives to provide our clients with sufficient information to make informed decisions, everyone deserves appropriate information in order to make decisions. That makes change easier to deal with and accept. Then it becomes the individual’s responsibility is to decide how to handle the change. With the right attitude, change can be positive.

Have a great rest of the week. Positively there will be change, so face your changes positively!