10 Reasons Why it is Important to Create a Positive Work Environment

According to author, teacher, and coach Kassandra Vaughn, “most people spend an average of 1/3 of their life at work” and “90,000 hours over the course of the average lifetime is spent working”. That being said, shouldn’t employees enjoy coming to work, be satisfied, and be fulfilled in what they are doing??

Work is not supposed to be “fun”. After all, it is work! But that does not mean that employees should abhor coming to work or feel stressed or unappreciated. When a company culture offers employees a work-life balance and a positive, nurturing environment, it makes coming to work every day more enjoyable. People will not mind spending one-third of their life at work if they are stepping into a positive environment.?

10 Reasons Why it is Important to Create a Positive Work Environment

1. Positivity. A positive environment and corporate culture encourage employees to be positive as well. The Law of Attraction tells us that negative thoughts breed negative actions; positive thoughts attract positive actions and results. In other words, a positive work environment lends itself to employees thinking and acting positively in the best interest of the company.

1. Stress. Studies have shown that stressed employees are less productive, negative, and generally less engaged than more relaxed employees. Stressed employees are also distracted and have the potential to make mistakes and risk injury. By creating a positive environment in the workplace, leaders can help to reduce the level of stress and therefore, improve productivity, reduce risk and distraction.

1. Happiness. Generally, employees are more productive when they enjoy what they are doing and feel a sense of happiness. These emotions lead to increased confidence, better performance, and improved attitudes.
2. Contagious. Have you ever felt compelled to smile when another person smiles at you? Smiles and happiness are contagious in the same way that negativity quickly and easily spreads through an office or team. Employees who are happy and enjoy what they are doing tend to spread this joy to others by their presence, attitude, and positivity. Why not encourage this type of contagion?

1. Supportive. A positive work environment is one in which employees feel supported and in turn, offer support and assistance to others.

1. Creativity. Engaged, supported, happy employees are more likely to be creative by nature. Whether creativity is inherent to the job responsibilities or in problem-solving, it is essential to the progress and success of the business. When employees enjoy working in a positive environment, they are inspired to think outside of the box and to develop and create new ideas, opportunities, projects, and solutions.

1. Mistakes. In a positive environment, mistakes are not looked upon as catastrophic errors, unrecoverable roadblocks, or human faults. They are instead viewed as essential tools for growth and development. We are all human and we all make mistakes! It is what happens afterward that determines a person’s ability to recover from the mistake and to move forward.

1. Risk-taking. By its very nature, the business of every kind, in every industry, and at every level is riddled with risk. In a positive work environment, employees are encouraged to take some calculated risks. No progress or improvements can be made without employees and leaders stepping out on the limb to try something new, to develop new ideas, and to step out of their comfort zone. Business is not inherently always “safe” or comfortable! Employees who feel supported and encouraged in their roles will be more willing to take calculated risks.

1. Relationships. Positivity is critical to bolster and nurture relationships and teams. When employees are satisfied and fulfilled in their work and the environment, they are more willing to work with others, collaborate, and make decisions and advancements with the goals and vision of the company in mind.

1. Walk the walk. Leaders who walk the walk of positivity, enjoyment, and success will lead their teams by example.?

A positive environment goes hand in hand with the company culture. Uncertainty about the culture in your company or understanding whether it is a positive or negative environment could be inhibiting the success of the company.

Case Study:

SIX, a global leader in financial technology and services, has made a powerful impact on its business by focusing on creating a positive work environment. According to a case study by Sustain Case, management surveyed its employees and clients to identify where and how it could create opportunities to empower employees to give their best. The results concluded that several factors were important including education and training, employee engagement programs to attract and retain team members, and an attractive work environment.

SIX's poll characterized an "attractive environment" in several ways, including access to public transportation, remote work availability, childcare alternatives, fitness memberships, and flexible working hours.

Conclusion:

Having a positive environment could help the company's employees to be better in every work that they do and can lead to success. Leaders should develop relationships between the employees and fill it with positivity. Leaders should set an example and be the guidance to their subordinates. Happiness is transmittable and this will result in teamwork and could lead to a prosperous organization.

To know more about a positive work environment contact me for consultation.?