Benefits of a positive work environment

Does your department or hospital promote and sustain a positive work environment for employees? Do you know what employees need to make their work place more encouraging and productive? Here we share some ideas and steps you can take to improve service and quality, just by making some simple changes in your work place.

What makes your workplace positive or is there a lot to be desired? Please let us know. Send a note to marketing@vericom.net.

A Positive Environment Increases Productivity
By Mike Mitchell

According to a recent Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report, ";The downward trend in well-being is lessened [slowed] when workers experience [work in] a positive work environment -- one where they get to use their strengths and their supervisor has created a trusting environment."; Are your employees working in a safe, healthy and positive workplace?

During my 20 years in telecom management, I have observed three key areas that are critical to creating a positive workplace: 1) positive leadership, 2) clean and safe facilities, and 3) the right tools, well maintained equipment, and the necessary supplies.

Positive Leadership
A positive leader clears away any negative influences that impact the productivity and service quality of the department. This includes any barriers to effective communication. Open and honest communication encourages employees to become part of the team. Just knowing that the manager will listen to their thoughts and recommendations (and act on them when possible) creates a positive and trusting environment. Use positive words and phrases when speaking with employees. Compliment your staff openly when appropriate.

Clean and Safe Facilities
According to the San Diego Source, a survey of 2,000 office employees from different industries and professions at every level within their respective organizations reported that 9 out of 10 of those surveyed believe that the quality of their workplace affects their attitude, job satisfaction, and productivity and that good workplace quality makes a company more competitive. A Sustainable Development International Corp article says it this way: Healthy work environments have been shown to raise employee productivity by approximately 10% through less sick leave taken and healthier employee attitudes.

What steps are you taking to provide a clean, safe and healthy office environment? Now is a good time to replace broken or discolored ceiling tiles, non-working lights bulbs, and defective office equipment and chairs. If your budget allows, replace dirty worn out carpet. New carpet can have the single biggest impact on employee attitude and a healthy workplace.

Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
When Gallup researchers sought out those aspects of work life that are most relevant to performance, one that emerged early on was measured by the statement "I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right." Does your company stand by its employees? I have found that most employees want to be productive and provide quality service. When they have the right tools, equipment, and supplies to support their mission, employee attitudes are better which lead to an increase in job satisfaction and productivity.

Mature leaders realize that they are responsible for providing a positive work environment for their employees. A positive workplace produces positive results, and those results show up in improved productivity and quality of service for your customers.

- Mike

Dear Mike: I have a problem with an operator. She disappears for about 10 minutes every hour to take a smoke break. It's creating a serious morale issue in our department. Got any advice?

Mike's Answer:My first question is: Have you already begun disciplinary action? The second question is: Is she a knowledgeable and productive employee.

If you have already documented the disappearances, spoken to her about correcting her behavior, and documented your disciplinary action, then you may have already limited your options. Follow the standard disciplinary procedure of your organization. The consequences of not following through with the process could pose an even greater morale issue. It also could lead to legal issues.

If you have not "officially" spoken with her yet, and she is a productive member of your team, you have a wonderful opportunity to use your coaching skills. The two of you should work together to establish an action plan to correct her behavior. Since it costs more to hire and train a new employee than to correct the behavior of a current employee, I recommend this approach. You can retain an employee, and save time and money with the same effort.

Either way, you should take action immediately. The rest of your staff is watching very carefully to see how you handle this situation. Their level of respect for you as a leader will rise or fall depending on what you do.

- Mike

Have a question for Mike? Email him at mike@telexcellence.com.

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