It seems simple, but it’s a facet of business so often overlooked; a happy team is a productive one. When your employees are content, they are more creative and efficient; the positive effect of this on a businesses’ success cannot be overstated. This is not simply management speak. You won’t find any ‘blue sky thinking outside of the box’ here. Quite the opposite, actually. This is stating the obvious for posterity’s sake; to reaffirm what you already, inherently know. So if you think your team needs a boost, a pick me up or a shift in dynamic, then read on; here are 4 simple steps to help achieve the IDEAL company culture.
TRAIN IN HEALTH AND SAFETY
When it comes to the health and safety of your employees, you are not just morally obligated to do what you can, you are also legally obligated. If an employee is hurt on premises due to an easily avoidable error, you are liable for damages, and in some cases might even face criminal misconduct. Instead of getting into this predicament, offer extensive resources and training. Workplace injuries can also lead to lower morale, which in turn damages productivity.
Have key employees take health and safety courses like those offered Phoenix Health & Safety to become accredited by IOSH, NEBOSH, and Construction Skills. Other options include offering on-site first aid training to a wider number of your employees, as well as conducting regular health and safety inspections. The more you do to protect your employees, the better your company culture will become.
HELP THEM TO GROW INDEPENDENTLY
There are myriad different ways to help your employees further their qualifications. You could sponsor their education and pay some or all of their tuition fees. Equally, financing staff to get a degree through attending night school or sending them to attend a course will show that you care about their personal development. If your team does not want to go back to full-time education, or even part-time, consider paying for workshops and classes onsite. Whatever the preferred route, fostering a sense of independent, professional development will give employees the tools they need to better themselves, and in the process, your business.
FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS
The 9-5 world is officially outdated and working hours are something all offices need to rethink. Consider the extremes; do you need them at all? Working from home, finishing early on Fridays, using flexi hours to accommodate for team member’s commitments outside of work; these are all options which grant more freedom to employees and in doing so, give them a sense of freedom which promotes creativity and critical thinking. Autonomy, it turns out, can be extremely beneficial to a business.
CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
The ebb and flow of office productivity often seems to be bending to the whim of external forces, with scant regard for the will of the workers themselves. Well, there might be more than a modicum of truth in the belief that the dark arts can play a part in workplace efficiency. There are a host of hacks an office can implement which, while seeming innocuous, can have a huge impact on everything from staff wellbeing to turnover and much more besides.
Here are a few small adjustments you can make to improve the office environment :
- Adding mirrors to maximise natural light
- Adding air-purifying plants to improve air quality
- Adding art pieces for extra stimulation
- Improving the break room by adding seating, as well as more appliances so that your workers can bring food from home.
- Offering optional training and opportunities on a community bulletin (either online or in-office).
- Having a space dedicated to studying