Creating a Healthy Culture in the Workplace

Whether you’re a new owner, manager, or have had the same business and team in place for decades, there’s nothing more productive than a positive workplace. On average, each Australian spends 40 hours per week at work (give or take, depending on their role and industry). This means that each of us spends approximately 16 years of their life at work (and we mean 16 straight years of 24/7 work! Wow!) So whether you have changed jobs or stuck with the same business for your entire career, it’s safe to say that creating a workplace that your staff enjoy coming to each day is a pretty high priority when it comes to staff productivity, retention and happiness. If it isn’t, it should be! Let us break it down…

There are certain ways you can improve workplace culture, and some of these don’t cost a cent!

1. Activities: If there’s one sure-fire way to boost team morale, it’s allowing your team to get to know each other outside the confines of their professional roles. Of course, keeping relationships professional is necessary, but establishing a friendly working relationship is key to efficiency, productivity, and team happiness in the workplace. Why not treat your team to a big Christmas shindig? Or organise a work barbecue in Summer? Aim to host a team event once a quarter and watch friendships grow and workplace teams thrive.
   
   
2. Teamwork: Speaking of teams, embrace teamwork! Highlight the strengths of team members in meetings and delegate specific roles within the teams so your staff enjoy working alongside each other with a common goal in mind. If your workplace is a more autonomous space, why not spice things up with a little Friday team challenge once a month? Get everyone working together in a light-hearted and fun way, problem-solving for a solution, and they’ll forge team bonds for future projects. Why not introduce a prize! Friday winners get Monday coffees!?
   
   
3. Inspiration: Being a positive person in the workplace promotes positivity within your team. Be a YES person, treat people well behind their backs and lead by example. The biggest inspiration for your team should be you.
   
   
4. Atmosphere: Introduce some calming or positive background music to the office or workplace and celebrate your team. Create a business that you would be happy working in every single day. If something feels stale, spice it up! Move the furniture around, add some artwork or special touches to make the space feel more welcoming.
   
   
5. Praise: Constructive criticism always has its place, and it’s important not to praise staff members when it isn’t called for. But when it is? Make sure to recognise team efforts and celebrate team successes. There is nothing more morale-boosting and motivating  than feeling appreciated, recognised and needed. It’s a known fact that a cash bonus is a short-term motivator of staff whereas recognition and praise is a long-term motivator. Each can be effective tools to celebrate hard work and efforts within your team.
   
   
6. Conflict: We’d like to believe that a conflict-free workplace is achievable, and sometimes with a little luck, it can be. Other times, stress, workload and varied personality types clash within the team and conflict can arise. It’s important to address these conflicts both calmly and professionally. Extend mediation to the parties involved and allow them to address their concerns in a private area, where they can feel heard and a solution can be created.

We hope we’ve given you some food for thought when it comes to creating a healthy culture in the workplace. If you’d like to discuss your business sale journey, contact Core Business Brokers today, on (02) 9413 2977, or email Roy on [email protected]. Let our friendly and experienced team of Business Brokers guide you in the right direction.