A healthy work environment is important to your team and can be achieved fairly easily. It boosts productivity and happiness and increases employee retention. If you have not created a healthy workplace, then it is time to make that effort, especially in this tight market for talent. Learn what creates a healthy workplace and start making improvements for the future of your company.
Offer Rewards and Incentives for Superior Performance
Rewarding employee performance is strategic. You must offer desirable incentives that fit the company’s budget. If strategized correctly, rewards can lead to a more motivated and positive team.
There are many types of benefits that you can offer employees. This includes bonuses, gift cards, and event tickets. You may choose to reward an entire team or specific team member for achieving a goal.
See 20 Techniques for Acknowledging Your Employee's Good Work for more ideas on rewards and incentives.
Choose Stimulating Paint Colors
The workplace can have a big impact on attitude, and colors can profoundly affect productivity. Angela Wright is a world-renowned color psychologist. She developed the scientifically tested color-affect system. According to Wright’s research, the intensity of a color determines whether it is stimulating or soothing. More saturated colors are best for the office place.
Wright’s theory states that blue is connected to the mind, green to balance, yellow to emotion, and red to body.
The most obvious answer to a productive work place would be blue. However, you might want to incorporate green trim to create balance.
Offer Stand-Up Desks
Stand up desks have become part of many company’s employee wellness programs. For example, Google provides standup desks for all employees. Facebook also has more than 250 employees using standup desks. Even I use a flexible desk to allow sitting or standing.
Research by Texas A&M Health Science Service Center concludes that employees in a call center are 46% more productive when using a standup desk.
Benefits of Standup Desk
- Improves Focus
- Increases Energy
- Reduces Back Pain
Be Flexible on Timing
Different people are more productive during various parts of the day. Some people perform better with a morning workout. Others get in early but need a 1.5 lunch break to renew their day. If your company’s processes allow flexibility with timing, give it to your employees. It also helps attract people that may have a longer commute when hiring.
Allow a 2-hour window for morning arrival. You can also allow extended lunch breaks. Figure out what is right for the company and be as flexible as possible to your employee’s lifestyles.
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively within a company is essential. The skill prevents misunderstandings, which leads to errors and missed deadlines.
In our digital age, companies often communicate over email, text, and phone. Do not underestimate the significance of meetings to prevent confusion.
Tips to Communicate Well
- Practice Active Listening
- Use Strong Eye Contact
- Explain Tasks and Provide Detailed Handout or meeting agenda with time targets
- Speak in a Friendly Tone
- Be Open-Minded to Other Opinions
- Accept and Encourage Feedback
Improve the Lighting
Studies show that office lighting can play a role in employee productivity.
“Effectively lit and attractive environments enhance your image, help you recruit and retain high-value employees, and increase the total value of your facility.” Philips Systems
To effectively light your office, incorporate natural light. If your workspace does not have windows then use broad spectrum lightbulbs. Broad spectrum produces the most similar affect as natural light.
