Healthy work culture is, arguably, more important than ever. While it’s not a novel idea – building rapport within the company to promote employee productivity, engagement and retention – firms place a greater focus on positive internal interactions today because of shifting societal values and accessible occupational assessments. Core values, team traditions and leadership beliefs have always existed, but were, for the most part, less important than objectives. Today, healthy work culture is essential because it defines the who and how of reaching those objectives.
The who in a healthy work culture is the talent you aim to hire. The Web makes it easy for hardworking and qualified employees to sift through prospective job opportunities. Combined this with workplace review websites like Glassdoor.com, where prospective applicants are given an insider’s look at company operations, maintaining healthy work culture helps put you above your industry competitors in the hiring process. Some of the biggest corporate icons currently are the brands that land a top-ranking spot on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work and LinkedIn’s Most In-Demand Employers. But, before you can attract new talent based on healthy work culture, you must communicate and maintain those ethics with your existing employees.
Therefore, the who is also your current employees who you hope will remain loyal to your business. Creating a work environment that helps talented individuals thrive through positive interactions and opportunities strengthens retention rates. According to a recent Gallup poll, 60 percent of Millennials are open to new job opportunities and are the most likely generation to switch jobs.¹ Unfortunately, the younger generation is also the least engaged in the workplace. An analysis from the Harvard Business Review shows most Millennials consider their current position as a stepping stone and opportunity for the future but also wants to work for someone who actively invests in their growth. And, despite what West Coast tech corporations demonstrate, Millennials are not as considered about craft beer and ping pong at work. In fact, Baby Boomers are more likely to seek out a “fun” and “creative” workplace.²
Meanwhile, the how involves daily engagement, collaboration and support. With a healthy work culture, employees are more likely to feel valued and demonstrate a willingness to give 100 percent back. Teams who are fully committed to facilitating broader company success have the power to transform lofty projects into feasible goals.
So, how does a company strategically employ or retain the who and organize the how of a healthy work culture to become prosperous? Consider the following:
- Hire Smart: Choose a distinct mix of well-qualified individuals who demonstrate the ability to cooperate, support and develop relationships with one another.
- Develop Open Lines of Communication: Build an environment where communication is straightforward, honest and nontoxic. Employees should feel confident when speaking to managers and colleagues, but also have a dedicated human resources department or individual to mitigate disagreements impartially.
- Promote Office Safety: Minimizing risks at work by creating a philosophy focused on safety and employee well-being. Fundamental materials like commercial floor mats not only minimize common workplace accidents but communicate your intent to safeguard your workers at every turn.
- Set the Tone: Leaders set the example for how each employee at your company performs. Demonstrate a teamwork-focused culture by being transparent. Team meetings and continual updates are a good start, but face time and personal interaction have a greater impact.
As a leading provider of commercial floor products and mats for over three decades, Eagle Mat is committed to helping companies of all sizes create safe, clean and healthy workspaces designed to foster healthy work culture. For more information on our industry-leading products and services, contact Eagle Mat today at 877-333-1018.
¹ http://www.gallup.com/businessjournal/191459/millennials-job-hopping-generation.aspx
² https://hbr.org/2016/05/what-millennials-want-from-a-new-job
