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The workplace consists of diverse and dynamic individuals who have come together for the common purpose of performing their duties and to contribute to the success of the organisation. Each employees’ experience in the organisation is unique and contributes to the work environment, the relationships they form with their colleagues and superiors, the organisational culture, as well the prospects of growth. Each of these factors also contribute to establishing a positive work environment, which should not be overlooked by organisational leaders.
A positive work environment should be considered as an important pillar in the success of the organisation. Leaders in the organisation must invest more in creating a positive work environment where employees are happy and motivated to perform their duties, this will in turn have a lasting and beneficial effect on the organisations productivity. A positive work environment ideally will not make an employee count down every minute and second until the next tea or lunch break or home time. An organisational culture fostering good relationships among team members can lead to improvement in teamwork and will result in employees performing their duties effectively. Positive cultures critically focus on rewarding employees and creating an environment where employees can have the potential to grow and develop their skills.
The creation of a positive work environment requires the collaboration of not only organisational leaders but also requires employee participation. In traditional HR organisational culture practices, the employer is solely responsible for the creation of a positive work culture and little emphasis is placed on the individual employee contribution. The employers and employees in all levels of the hierarchy need to collaborate in creating a positive work environment.
An organisation that encourages open channels of communication as well as transparency between the management and employees is well on its way to creating a positive work environment. An environment that allows for open communication and transparency, allows for the employees to feel engaged, valued and part of the organisation. Improved employee engagement takes place when there are positive working relationships amongst team members, when employees feel they have an input in decision–making and there is support for growth and development with opportunities to learn being encouraged.
A positive work environment is also achieved by increasing team morale in work teams. The increased level of morale facilitates better team work and thus impacts on the performance and productivity of the employees. An increased sense of team morale is created by constantly encouraging employees to form good relationships. This can be achieved through team building sessions but can also be achieved through encouraging employees to engage with each other on a more informal basis during the normal work day, or starting team meetings with some friendly banter.
An organisation that continuously improves on their work environment allows for employees to better manage the stresses and pressure of performing their duties. A positive environment that is supportive and allows employees to attempt to learn new skills reduces employee work pressure and stress.
Taking more proactive steps towards creating a positive work environment allows for better working conditions, enthusiasm and motivation to perform duties, increased team morale and support throughout the organisation. This has a positive effect on the employees’ wellbeing, as well as improved individual and organisational performance.
Phelokazi Nyangane
Divisional Director: Head of People, Johannesburg
