In the USA this long holiday is Labor Day weekend. Many think and write about the meaning Labor Day has for today’s leaders and workforce. Yet, I don’t hear much talk about the importance of a positive workplace environment as one of the vital needs for today’s workers and organizations.
As I interact with leaders and people in organizations I like to inquire about what makes people feel energized and more productive, as opposed to feeling stressed and not productive.
Two things always come up:
- People said they felt energized by challenges, whether solving something difficult, or helping someone with a problem. Even at times of high stress due to volume of work, the challenge made them feel energized. For them, challenging work = increased productivity.
- People mention negativity as the main culprit for feeling depleted of energy, lower productivity, and a decrease in creativity. When they hear mostly criticism, without the balance of receiving recognition for a job well done, negative stress builds up and it is harder to perform well.
Research backs up what I hear. The American Management Association published a report of a global study which they titled: Cultivating effective corporate cultures. Their results do not stand alone. I have read other research report with similar results. Creating a positive culture results in:
1. Higher performance
A positive corporate culture is associated with higher performance. It also results in doing well in the marketplace.
2. Higher productivity
Positive corporate cultures tend to have more engaged and satisfied workers. Happier workers enhance productivity.
3. More effective change initiatives
Positive corporate cultures are associated with the greater facilitation of change initiatives. This finding is true regardless of conventional wisdom that sees a strong culture as entrenched and resistant to change. Instead, the study found the opposite—positive corporate cultures are more receptive to change and adapt quickly to meet new challenges.
4. Better talent management
Success in the area of talent management—as well as its key components—is linked to having a more positive corporate culture. The study found that talent management itself, as well as its various strands (hiring, retention, training, etc.), are all significantly associated with positive corporate cultures.
Setting the standard for a positive corporate culture should be a major focus for leaders in any organization. When employees are in a positive environment, they are more likely to perform better and contribute more.
As a leader you can create a positive environment by:
- focusing on challenges and opportunities instead of problems
- expressing acknowledgment and genuine, heartfelt appreciation for work well done
- empowering people
- communicating openly and positively
- creating trust
- encouraging a collaborative environment
- being approachable
- providing a positive physical environment
- making evaluations a positive and learning experience
- creating a fun work environment
Labor Day was established as a day to honor the strength and spirit of the labor movement and working people. By creating a positive workplace you will honor workers. It doesn't cost much, and yet has a big positive impact. It creates trust, lowers stress, and increases productivity. A healthy workplace contributes to organizational effectiveness and success.
Remember. . .
Setting the standard for a positive corporate culture should be a major focus for leaders in any organization. Positive leadership creates a positive environment.
Give appreciation and a focus on the positive a try. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results!
Are you creating a positive and healthy workplace? Do you have the necessary abilities to communicate in the most effective way? Contact me today for a complimentary consultation to explore your needs and how I can help.