Six Essential Tips for Managers to Create a Productive Workplace

“Do you want people to work productively and build a career at your company?” or “ Do you want to fix your work environment?” The question, however, is how? As an employee, I have identified that apart from the responsibilities that come with a job, the sole most important thing that influences employee performance and happiness is, their working environment. As it plays a deciding and influencing role in retaining and binding people to an organization. Employees don’t expect their job environments to be always entertaining and perfect. However, that does not even mean that they need to do work under a gloomy cartoon rain cloud. Remember, companies that are highly rated by their employees are doing better than the market average. Imagine, if you keep the work environment “happy, healthy & stress-free” which means your employees will fit well into an organization’s culture, they will be on more open and comfortable terms with their superiors and fellow co-workers. You will find them working at their best potential satisfactorily and productively. As at the end of the day, you want them to look back at it as a positive and learning work experience. So, let us take a look at a manager’s handbook, using six essential tips to create a positive workplace.

1. Work-Life Balance a Priority.

It is important to educate every employee about the importance of work-life balance - “one of the most important and critical challenge often overlooked in worker’s life.” It is the responsibility of the manager to make every employee believe that it is possible to leave on time and still perform well. Work-life balance promotes personal growth and self-care which ultimately results in high productivity, out-of-box thinking, happiness and healthy performance. Because been an employee I have realized that it’s all about finding out what “YOU” want to do, and consciously managing boundaries between both professional and personal life, plays a huge role. This will help have less stress, more energy coupled with higher quality work life.

2. Powerful Training.

To encourage a positive work environment and how to get more done with (a lot) less stress, routine training is important to inculcate positive attitudes among employees. Most employees whether new or experienced will have some weaknesses. Supportive training will strengthen those skills and boost their morale, confidence and satisfaction with improved performance.

3. Encourage Transparent and Open Communication.

As a manager, it is very important to create an atmosphere where every employee is welcomed to contribute their ideas. Encourage open communication and transparency by creating an inclusive atmosphere, where collective inputs of every employee will be valued and considered and not just noted. This will give them a sense of belongingness and will feel free and motivated to contribute their thoughts, views and ideas in the decision-making process.

4. Strong Team Spirit.

Acceptance and tolerance of the differences in opinions and working styles in a diverse work environment is a common problem. In this case, develop a strong team spirit among employees to make them understand that they all are working for a shared objective. Aim to create a sense of unity among them.

5. Encourage Empowerment.

Empowerment is important to a worker’s motivation because employees are more likely to be loyal and committed to their work. With power comes responsibilities and hence, they are more likely to follow the company’s policies and procedures and perform more productively. They might even take an extra effort to contribute and invite changes and opportunities for growth. It is prudent to give them the required space they want, to work independently and encourage their fresh and creative ideas. This will build their confidence and trust. Let them learn from mistakes and it is completely okay to make mistakes and not be afraid of making them. This will make each one of them strong, self-sufficient and self-esteemed to be accountable and responsible for their work.

6. Deliver Credit and Appreciation Often.

One of the most important factors that drive people’s motivation and determination. Every manager should take care that their employees are appreciated for their hard work and meaningful contributions. Giving recognition to their efforts will make them feel valued and encourage them to go a mile extra without worrying about not attaining anything in return. Appreciation is a basic need for every human whether its monetarily or by offering simple words of gratitude like “Well Done”, “ Proud of You” or “ Thank You”

Bonus Tip:

Refrain from Micromanaging and Have Meaningful Conversations with Team Members.

Employees who feel trusted, valued and supported without being drifted, are often relaxed, productive and confident. Remember why you hired them and trust in their ideas and decision without your hovering.

Managers don't see the value of having a conversation with employees quite often because they fear "being taken for granted" and "crossing the line' into the unprofessional territory. But this is not simply true! To create a happy work culture, it is very important to know your employees and learn something new about them. This might give you a new reason to respect and find appreciation for her.

Discovering the importance and purpose of what we do is an extraordinary method to remain positive. However, with the right attitude, outlook and actions it is very essential for a manager to remind yourself and other people why your jobs are important. Make sure your employees think and consider their purpose and meaningful contributions and how they can add value to your organization and customers. Remember your customer is not always the end user of your organization’s services or products, it could also be an internal individual who depends on what you do and what environment you provide so that they can get their job done.

Incorporate these ideas into your workplace and report back with the results!