The Brief Guide That Makes Improving Workplace Culture Simple

A toxic work environment is the top reason employees cite for leaving their jobs. From a lack of diversity to unrealistic deadlines, a work culture that focuses only on the bottom line, and not the people responsible for meeting it, is one that no one wants to be a part of.

If you’re a business owner or manager dealing with high turnover, your workplace culture may need a few tweaks.

Read on for some key ways to improve culture in your company.

Ask for Feedback

You’re likely used to sharing your opinions and feedback on employees’ work, but are you open to receiving their feedback in return?

It’s essential that (constructive) criticism can be offered in both directions. Your employees must feel able and comfortable to open up about their challenges and complaints at work.

Make sure your employees know you have an open door policy. And if they still hold back, offer anonymous surveys and other tools to receive feedback.

Recognize Great Work

To boost workplace morale, honor employees who do a great job.

Don’t take for granted the employees who never miss a day of work or those who always go the extra mile with customers. Celebrate their success with bonuses, promotions, and other incentives.

Give Employees a Title to Be Proud Of

Psychology says that many people act in accordance with the title they’ve been given. That means simply calling an employee “staff,” for example, may limit their potential.

Instead, choose inclusive titles like “team member.” Similarly, you can update titles like “marketing associate” to “promotions expert.” Then, give employees name badges and plates with these encouraging titles.

To order your own name badges, start by requesting a sample.

Encourage Relationship Building

Employees may be more likely to leave a workplace where they don’t feel connected to others. Positive relationships are a key part of employee happiness, so encourage relationship building when possible.

This can include incorporating socializing time within the workday or giving new employees ample time to introduce themselves in meetings.

Trust Your Employees

Maybe you’ve made the mistake of hiring slackers before, or perhaps you’ve had an employee who stole office supplies. However, it’s best to give your employees the benefit of the doubt, rather than treating them with suspicion.

Trusting your employees from the start, rather than waiting for them to earn your trust, will help them feel more comfortable in your workplace. They’ll likely feel respected when you give them more liberties, rather than taking advantage of those freedoms.

Prioritize Workplace Safety

The pandemic revealed many employees’ concerns about workplace safety, from a lack of physical safety measures to virus risks. Make workplace safety your top priority to ensure your team’s health and protection.

If a virus is going around the office, give employees the option to work from home. If some team members are required to perform physical labor, invest in safety training and the best equipment.

Improve Workplace Culture, Improve Employee Happiness

Your employees count on you to create a positive, safe workplace culture. Improve your workplace culture with these essential tips to create a stronger, happier team.

For more business and work advice, check out our latest articles!