Creating a healthy workplace starts with the best practices of owners and/or leaders. A healthy work culture is seen as a business environment where employees are valued, safe, comfortable and full of opportunities for growth.
Set clear organizational goals. The first rule of thumb for any business is to have a plan. Whether it's a comprehensive business plan, an entry plan, or a long-term strategic plan. Planning is very important to determine the direction in which the organization will move. The key is to create clear, concise, and easy-to-understand goals.
Announcement of business goals. Setting goals is important, but it's even more important to have a communication plan so that everyone in the organization knows what the plan is and what parts of it are important to the organization. my job.
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity: Organizations that build their culture to include diversity and promote equality. Promoting inclusiveness means getting team members involved at all levels of the organization. Inclusion is possible when people have a sense of ownership, know that their ideas and opinions are valued, can work together towards a common goal, and understand that they are part of the organization. Employees at work.
Respect is a highly valued value: mutual respect, regardless of their position in the organization, is one of the most important values in an organization with a healthy work environment.
Establish a "zero tolerance" policy: this means that behavior that causes disorganization, misunderstanding or confusion will lead to serious consequences. It sets high standards for employees and creates high expectations.
Recognize employee contributions: Reward employees who contribute to the organization's goals. Employees can get to know each other and ask management about it. When employees are rewarded for working outside the norm, they set an example for others.
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Flexibility. An organization is healthy when it has policies and procedures that work well with each other, but are willing to be flexible to deal with unique situations. You are known internally as a great place to work. You get loyalty and commitment from team members.
Tips from a successful Cape Cod entrepreneur:
When asked what constitutes a healthy corporate culture, Tony Shepley of Shepley Wood Products responded, “Two-way communication, coaching, feedback reinforcement, praise and time to celebrate success are essential for a successful company. “Healthy work environment. Training, career development coaching, and regular performance reviews help good employees feel appreciated. Even small signs (I send birthday cards and greetings to everyone and buy lunch on those two days every year) are small reminders of “We care. Finally, personal contact is important. We rely more on text and email and communication is not at the same level, we take the time to participate in the event and value our employees.
According to Agnes and Ed Chatelain, owners of Chatelain Real Estate, “It offers basic tools, an interesting website and management support. Set clear, specific goals and give each employee the flexibility to approach the work environment and solve problems. The owner/manager should set the mood of the office/workplace: happy, ready (first in the office or workplace), enjoying what you are doing or doing, providing technical support and emotional support to colleagues and employees, but not being manipulated or coerced .
David Trautman, owner of Scargo Cafe, advises: “I thought you were referring to the 'one minute manager' concept. Spend at least one minute every day with each team member. It helps us express and acknowledge our shared humanity. Simplify difficult conversations because the conversations are done. While the minute is not always work related, it is an opportunity to share hope and vision for the future and create a positive, inclusive and productive culture. This habit of regularly touching the base reduces unpleasant surprises when we find out what is going on in the lives of our employees.
Jamie Bolin, owner of Cape Cod Celebrations, believes in flexibility: “Flexibility! Allowing your employees to set their own schedule and work from home makes a huge difference!
Beth and Todd Marcus, owners of Cape Cod Brewery, offer sage advice: “One of the challenges Todd and I faced as our business grew was delegating tasks as we grew. The business has grown. Many owners are reluctant to give up important tasks, but this can slow down business growth in the long run, so learning how to delegate is essential. You need to teach the right process when it's needed, but if the end result is the same and a specific process isn't needed, use the experts. Delegation will be very helpful in creating a strong relationship between manager and owner.”
“Todd and I quickly realized that if we work together on the same problem that we can handle alone, we can fight it,” Beth said. "We don't often work together to avoid arguments, and we believe in the old adage that in business, if two people always agree, one of them doesn't matter (laughs)."
“I think the most important thing about culture,” he added, “is letting your employees know that you appreciate their hard work and letting them know that you are always there for them. This is what we spend a lot of time on. ' Jobs are easier, safer and more efficient. Your employees can make their workplace or work easier and more efficient.” And when you try to help them stay safe, they often not only learn, but appreciate the effort.
A healthy culture recognizes shared beliefs, values, standards, and attitudes that reflect a company's goals and vision.
Credit: Mark L. Goldberg, Certified Consultant, www.capecode.score.org, 508-755-4884. capecodscore@scorevolunteer.org. Source: "7 Best Ways to Create a Healthy Work Environment", by Kathleen Nobbs, 5/18/21, Achievers.
This article originally appeared in the Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod executives discuss how to create a healthy and productive work environment.