THE work environment should be positive and inviting. Some people work in hard and stifling workplaces.
They do not look forward to going back, but because they know their livelihoods depend on it, they go back.
The stress, the pain and the atmosphere are slowly killing them from within.
The worst part is to be under a manager who makes things difficult for you.
Creating a great work environment as a manager is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity.
Some people do not necessarily hate their work, but they hate how they are treated and made to feel.
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Improve on emotional intelligence
People want and yearn to be treated like kings. We all want to feel special and appreciated.
The moment we feel the inverse, frustration and grumpiness creep in.
Your personal emotions as a manager could be affecting others.
First, as a manager, master your own emotions. What do you exude when you are happy or angry?
Control your emotions and make other people comfortable in your space.
A good example is that some employees are very happy when you are not at work. The moment you arrive, they flee to their cubicles.
Secondly, learn social skills. Are you empathetic and sympathetic to others? How do you treat other people’s emotions? Are you personally concerned about others? Do you even care?
Remember, you will be remembered mainly for how you made people feel? Do people feel your warmth or your wrath?
Professional development
When employees have opportunities to improve and learn, they feel they have value to offer to the company.
So the manager must offer training and career advancement opportunities to help employees grow professionally.
Remember, when you offer such opportunities, you are increasing talent density and in turn positively affecting work performance.
When was the last time your employees got special training?
Recognition and rewards
Your sum total of the organisation is made up of contributions made by employees.
As a manager, the best you could do is to acknowledge employees’ achievements and even provide incentives for good performance.
Adherence to occupational safety
Employees feel comfortable when their health and safety is ensured. For example, to that till operator in the supermarket, how does their chair feel?
Ergonomically, it affects their body. Do employees have enough safety wear? Do you contribute to their health insurance?
Create those small comforts that make employees feel relaxed.
Ensure the workplace meets safety standards and employees are trained on risk prevention.
Create a comfortable and ergonomic workspace with facilities for relaxation and breaks.
Employee engagement
At times as managers we do not involve employees in decision-making processes.
We just do all the thinking and make the employees do all the execution.
Involve employees in decision-making and give them opportunities to contribute to matters that affect their work.
Besides, employees might know what could positively contribute to the organisation.
Open communication
Communication is the life blood for the exchange of meaning, culture and ideas. As such, internal communication must be healthy and open.
Establish clear channels for feedback and discussion, promoting transparency and trust. Avoid an environment with so many secrets.
Work-life balance
Life is not only about work and production. It also includes fun and satisfaction.
Therefore, the manager should create and implement policies that support a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Managers should also encourage personal success.
Nowadays, people are looking for employment that is flexible with alternative work schedules.
However, we should forget that not all jobs are flexible.
Inclusivity and respect
Despite their level at work, respect your employees. How you treat people matters.
He/she might be a grounds person, but you must remember they are contributing towards the success of that company.
Your positional power and authority must not mean you should treat others badly.
Above all, promote a culture of diversity and inclusiveness, where every employee feels valued.
Parting point: Are your employees willing to be ambassadors for your organisation? Or they just come to work and do not want their life to be associated with that organisation?
By implementing the afore-mentioned strategies, managers and leaders alike can create an environment where employees feel supported, valued and motivated to do their best work.
Remember, a great work environment leads to happier employees, which can result in increased productivity and success for the organisation.