Business Workplace Improvements

Changing the workplace environment can lead to a change in employee attitude and productivity. There are numerous practical tips that can be incorporated in order to overcome workplace ruts, among them:

· Mentoring and Professional Development

Workplace mentoring, professional development opportunities and a steady influx of fresh perspectives can help shift stalled teams. Monthly lunch-and-learn sessions with inspirational guest speakers can build team cohesion. Employees need to feel comfortable voicing concerns and making suggestions.

· Initiate an Incentive Plan
When effective teams are challenged they will work hard to meet a goal, especially if there is an incentive at the end. Incentives can build team dynamics and contribute to employee satisfaction. They can include a team lunch, a monetary bonus, coupons or the chance to participate in additional training.

· Be Flexible
Flexible work schedules can allow employees to feel more at ease as they juggle the responsibilities of work and home. When employees feel trusted to manage their time and to take responsibility for their role in a team’s progress, then a manager has created a win-win situation.

· Make Time to Listen

Not all employees communicate in the same way. Some have great ideas you will never hear because they won’t speak up in a group meeting. Instead of expecting employees to conform to one way of communicating with you, learn different ways of listening and talking with your team. That can include more one-on-one or smaller group meetings, follow-up email questions and “drop-in” times where you are available to speak in an informal setting.

· Improve the Environment

Sprucing up an outdated break room, upgrading lighting or adding a few office amenities can go a long way toward showing employees they are valued. If the budget is tight, funnel some of the savings from an office recycling program or energy efficiency project toward making the workplace more comfortable for everyone.

· Express Gratitude

In today’s hectic workplaces, it is easy to get so caught up on behind-the-scenes management tasks that you may end up being perceived as dismissive or aloof. Taking time to thank employees for a job well done helps build long-lasting rapport. Be specific in your compliment and deliver it in person when possible. Also, be sure to acknowledge the most consistent employees who are often neglected because they require little attention. You should cultivate their loyalty and possibly provide ways to allow them extra opportunities to grow, such as mentoring.

Taking these and other steps to improve the workplace environment will positively change employee attitude within the workplace, promoting more productive and creative work.

This guest post was provided by Jessica Edmondson who contributes on Leadership and Management for the University Alliance, a division of Bisk Education, Inc.