Characteristics of a Healthy Workplace
Healthy workplaces have many characteristics that encourage employees to work together. Open communication and leadership are two of the key characteristics that help employees work well together. Healthy organizations also embrace constructive criticism from their leaders and take corrective actions if necessary. Often, upper-level management values employee input and brings in specialists to fix problems. An organization might hire a psychologist to help them spot problems. A sense of camaraderie is another characteristic of a healthy workplace.
Show compassion
A caring work environment encourages generosity and builds commitment. People feel valued and cared about more than they do when they don’t feel a lot. A Harvard Business Review study has shown that top 20 companies with the most empathic workplaces have higher revenues. The study authors identify 11 qualities of compassion and suggest ways to improve workplace compassion.
Leaders can model compassion communication to increase workplace compassion. People who are compassionate and resilient have a tendency to be less stressed and burnt out. Leading organizations recognize that compassion is an essential part of a healthy workplace. Compassionate communication means actively listening to colleagues without hurting feelings or judging their opinions.
Open lines of communication
A healthy workplace is characterized by open lines of communication among employers and employees. Employees feel encouraged to voice their concerns and opinions, which can help boost morale. Employees can feel unheard or ignored, which can lead to employee burnout. Positive work environments foster creativity and encourage employee engagement.
Open communication can take many forms in the workplace. It can be as simple a way to encourage curiosity about your employees and their problems or as complex as encouraging open communication. It also involves the leader’s body language.
Flexibility
Flexible workplaces encourage lateral thinking and collaboration. Flexible work environments allow employees to decide when and where to work and how to pace their work. Three out of five people who work in-person and four of five who work remotely said they had high levels of control over the work they do. One technology, media and telecom companies use flexible working hours to reward employees who improve efficiency.
The most flexible workers were those who can change their schedules and take time off when needed. Flexible workers are those who can work from home or take time away when needed. Those who are on call are the least flexible.
Clarity
Clarity in the workplace is one of the most critical aspects of a healthy organization. Without clarity, teams can’t get to the root of an issue and focus on the work at hand. This can lead to confusion and unnecessary effort. Clarity in the workplace can increase employee engagement, job satisfaction, productivity, and commitment. It’s also important for maintaining morale. Organizations that are clear about reward and recognition policies see fewer stress-related absences, and higher levels productivity.
Another characteristic of a healthy workplace is shared objectives and goals. Employees are more likely to be engaged in a job if their interests are aligned with the corporate mission. A common goal is a powerful way for everyone to come together.
Engagement in equal employment opportunities
Policies that promote equal employment opportunities for all employees are a key part of a healthy workplace. Employers must ensure that these policies are followed and enforced in order to create an inclusive workplace. In addition, agency heads must show a commitment to equal opportunity by incorporating it into their agencies’ culture and daily operations. This commitment must start at the top and spread down the ranks. The agency’s top leaders must also take steps to ensure equal employment opportunities are integrated into their organizational structure.
A company’s hiring and dismissal practices should reflect its commitment to equal employment opportunities. A company’s hiring policies should be sensitive both to the needs it employees and to those of the community. A healthy workplace will not discriminate against protected characteristics.
Flexible work schedule
Many companies have discovered that flexible work schedules can have a number positive effects on their employees. In addition to increasing worker satisfaction, flexible work schedules can reduce commuting costs and improve customer service. It can also reduce conflict between personal and work life. Flexibility in work can help workers enjoy recreational facilities and stay active.
Flexibility has also been shown to increase employee productivity. With flexible work hours, employees can organize their time better and focus on their work when they feel most productive. They don’t have the commute, which allows them more time to focus on strategy and family chores.