Former American writer and lecturer, Dale Carnegie once said: “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”
He had a point. This not only applies to the lifestyles we choose, but also what we desire from our work.
Creating a positive work environment has become an important part of company culture. Its implementation can lead to a whole host of advantages and, most importantly of all, allow you to retain and attract top talent. As companies continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic, it’s imperative that businesses strive to give employees a work environment that they are proud to be a part of.
According to research from the University of Oxford, healthier and happier employees are 13% more productive in the workplace. At a time when there is a heavy focus on wellbeing, being able to sustain momentum as a business is crucial. Continuing to offer a workplace culture that drives employee recognition and offers support will positively impact staff productivity.
Here are ways that you can continue to offer the best workplace environment possible.
Continue to be adaptable and flexible
The workplace and traditions we used to know are a thing of the past due to the pandemic. Businesses need to be adaptable and flexible in the approach to their workforce’s needs, or risk losing talent.
New ways of working came into effect during the pandemic, with a focus on providing employees with a positive, healthy work environment which enabled them to thrive in spite of everything happening around them.
With the outbreak subsiding, organisations are evolving their working environments. Offering the right tools, trying innovative ideas, providing training and investigating new working patterns will optimise the productivity of your staff.
By continuing to adapt and work around changes in the workplace environment, you are proving to your employees that you are actively listening to their needs.
Connect, connect, connect
With hybrid and remote working models in use across the UK, maintaining and sustaining connection with your team members is vital.
During the height of the pandemic, constant communication was beneficial, with research by the Local Government Association showing that social isolation levels rocketed. While there may not be the need to constantly check in with employees, continuing to connect and organising situations which allow employees to bond and stay connected will improve teamwork and boost productivity.
Monitor your benefits packages
You should continue to adapt the benefits packages you offer to support your workforce. Throughout the pandemic, businesses took a flexible approach to childcare responsibilities, remote working needs and healthcare provision.
Benefits continue to make a real contribution to lifestyle choices and create that all important ‘feel-good’ factor which boosts morale, engagement and productivity.
By benchmarking the benefits that you offer to new and existing employees with those offered elsewhere, it shows that you are committed to making sure they feel valued, while also increasing your appeal as an employer to potential future talent.
Reinforce a sense of community
A sense of belonging is a powerful thing.
Giving employees a sense of value as part of a wider company culture can boost engagement and ensure greater staff longevity. The ability to attract new talent is enhanced when you embed and promote community-style culture.
You are more likely to retain your employees if you take steps to ensure the culture you have created is embraced. Employees want to be proud of who they work for, so maintaining that sense of strong community will go a long way to reinforcing your company’s purpose through your employees.
Listen to feedback from employees
Having a strategy in place to allow employees to feedback is beneficial for understanding their pain points. Rather than seeing feedback as a sign of something wrong with the business, consider it as a way that it can grow and develop.
If an employee chooses to bring their problems to your attention, addressing them and creating ways to combat them will give the employee a further sense of value, rather than feeling neglected and eventually finding another role elsewhere.
Mental health protection
Supporting mental health and wellbeing is an important aspect of the post-pandemic working environment. Many employees across the UK suffered through periods of job uncertainty, lockdowns and remote working models, with research from the Office for National Statistics stating that around one in five adults experienced some form of depression in early 2021 – double the amount prior to the pandemic.
Healthy and well-motivated employees will have an equally positive impact on the productivity and effectiveness of a business. Being able to recognise the cause for illness and, most importantly, keeping communication lines open with employees is more essential than ever.
It is imperative you keep an eye on staff workloads to ensure they remain manageable, and tailor leadership styles to suit the needs and personalities of all employees. When refreshing your strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, it would be useful to consider how flexible your organisation’s approach to working is, focussing on prioritising a healthy work-life balance.
Whether your team is remote, hybrid or full-time onsite, there is a need to continue to deploy a fluid strategy when it comes to maintaining a healthy workplace culture that keeps everyone happy, energetic and productive.
To find out more about how we can support your staffing needs, speak to one of our consultants now.