Improve Workplace Positivity with These 7 Things

Chris Goodwin, SHRM-SCP

Here’s a fact: Workplace positivity is key in driving your company’s success. That’s not a difficult premise given that research proves happy people are more creative, productive, and engaged than unhappy people no matter the environment. 

Any workplace has the potential to be a toxic environment. High pressure, poor communication, negative attitudes, lack of recognition for accomplishments, and disengagement among employees is, unfortunately, the popular perception in today’s culture. 

But what if it wasn’t? What if you could change the dialogue and create a workplace environment that’s positive and pleasant. Imagine an office where your team members are engaged and productive, creative and innovative instead of glum and detached. Improve your workplace positivity and watch what happens.

 

7 Ways to Improve Workplace Positivity

You have the tools to improve the positivity in your company-you just need to know how to use them. Here we offer the top ten things you can do to improve positivity in your workplace.

 

1. Offer a Greeting

The fallout of the last few years has made people seem a little less approachable and even, in some cases, plain rude. Don’t be that person. Take time to greet your employees and coworkers when you see them. Just a simple “Hello, how are you?” goes a long way toward boosting workplace positivity. Even the most casual of greetings pays off. When you greet others and offer a moment of your time you appear warm, friendly and approachable. 

Of course, in today’s workplace, the interaction is often virtual. Begin a video conference with a friendly greeting. It might seem like a small gesture but that greeting is the bit of humanity you need to encourage a positive environment. 

 

2. Keep Your Mission and Values on Display

You don’t need to raise a banner with your company’s mission statement on it, but your mission, goals, and values should come across in all you do. Your identity and culture as a business are based on these pillars. 

Do your employees know why your company exists? It’s a given that those in leadership understand the organization’s mission but most employees feel a significant disconnect. A recent Gallup poll showed that a mere 41% of employees feel they understand their company’s mission and what it stands for. That needs to change. 

When your employees are aligned with your mission and goals they have excitement about their place in the organization. They’re happy to contribute to the organization’s success. 

Take time to check in with your team members and workers. Discuss your company’s values and purpose with them. This dialogue leads to recognition of such values as transparency, ethics, and honesty. Have the conversation and watch your employees' engagement in the mission grow stronger.

 

3. Team Building Through Give-Back Experiences

We all want to feel like what we do matters at work and in other areas of life. It’s common knowledge that when an individual gives back to the community it not only makes them feel good but charitable activities forge a bond among those who volunteer together. And they can be a fun experience. Get out of the workplace from time to time to give back to your community. Working together for the greater good keeps your company’s values in focus. 

Participate in a 5K fundraiser or cheer on those employees who do, volunteer at a soup kitchen as a group, raise money for a worthy cause, collect school supplies for underprivileged children, goods for a food pantry or any number of charitable endeavors. Come together as a team for a common and worthy cause and watch the workplace positivity soar.

 

4. Communicate Positively

Management and others in leadership need to communicate with staff on an ongoing basis. This doesn’t mean giving orders or making demands. You want your team members and associates to feel validated and included, heard, and recognized. To that end, you need to work on your communication skills.

Don’t just talk to your employees, listen to them. Active listening without judgment creates a positive environment. The more you listen the more your team members will share. Be present. Lean into the conversation and let your body language show that you’re engaged. Encourage them to elaborate, ask questions and provide feedback that tells your team you hear them. 

Remember words are powerful and what you say impacts everyone who hears it. When you provide feedback do so in a positive and constructive way. Be encouraging and empowering. Positive messaging is much more effective and impactful and contributes to positivity in the workplace.

 

5. Express Gratitude and Recognize Accomplishments

Experts agree that expressing gratitude is the secret to a positive attitude. It expands your feelings of happiness and changes the way you think about life for the better. Make showing your appreciation a regular practice. Expressing gratitude in the workplace fosters respect and trust. The ripple effect is amazing. Suddenly coworkers are kinder, happier, and more positive toward one another. 

The big wins are worthy of celebration but when an employee is achieving the little goals along the way, recognize their efforts and do something special for them. Buy them lunch, or some small token that lets them know you see how hard they’re working. Even a simple thank you from leadership inspires the team members. When you celebrate the small successes the entire team will strive to reach the larger goal.

 

6. Support Those Who Are Struggling

Going out of your way to help someone means you likely have a friend for life. Management and others in leadership roles who take the initiative to recognize when someone is struggling, who go beyond what is expected of them to an almost self-sacrificing point,  find their employees much more committed to the company. Their employees’ commitment and loyalty translate into kindness and empathy for their coworkers. They also see their management as more effective and worthy of their trust. 

 

7. Let Your Leadership Style Reflect Positivity

Leadership sets the tone for any workplace. It is likely the single most important factor in workplace positivity. Leaders who encourage, affirm, and recognize each and every employee inspire their teams to success. They rely on influence instead of an authoritative presence and provide the guidance and tools necessary for employees to attain their workplace goals. Great leaders create positive morale among their teams. 

 

Compassionate leaders understand the job is just one facet of their employees' lives and to that end will strive to achieve a work-life balance for all. Each person is important to the success of the team and the company, and if they feel seen and an integral part of the workplace their positivity will grow. 

Partner With the Experts

Fostering positivity in the workplace can be a challenge, but a positive work environment is a fertile ground for success. Along the road to that success, you need a partner to help you, a consultant to address your business and workforce needs, and a coach to guide you. Cornerstone Coaching & Consulting brings HR expertise and so much more to the table. Contact Cornerstone Coaching & Consulting today.