Organizations today face challenges on how to build and maintain employee engagement. In the absence of a positive work environment, employees can feel unheard, disengaged, and unable to give their best. In a positive work environment, they can be most engaged and productive, which gives organizations a competitive advantage. Here are some of the ways the office environment impacts employee engagement.
Improves collaboration
Many projects in the corporate world require employees to work in teams. The outcome of these projects depends on the level of collaboration between employees. The office environment has to promote collaboration, and employees need to buy into the idea that collaborating is the best way to engage and be productive. Research shows that organizations that promote collaboration improve their performance and increase employee retention.
One of the most effective ways to promote collaboration is to create spaces that encourage it. Making the right decisions about the design of the office space, work processes, and technology tools can encourage natural interactions between employees.
Shared office spaces are increasingly popular today. Shared office spaces are purposefully designed to enhance collaboration and offer many benefits such as conference and meeting rooms, 24/7 access and employee lounges.
Increases productivity
Creating the right workplace environment can increase individual productivity. Enhancing positivity in the workplace can happen in many different ways, from promoting employee wellness to doing team-building activities.
When employees don’t have to spend time dealing with negative office politics, they can devote all their time to the quality of their work. They work best when they feel safe and aren’t subjected to any form of discrimination or bullying.
Research shows that if employees feel their opinions are valued, they are more likely to perform well. An inclusive, positive, and inspiring work environment where employees are rewarded for doing good work will draw out the best in them.
Reduces absenteeism
Employee absenteeism can hinder productivity in the workplace. Disengagement, workplace harassment and burnout can cause as much absenteeism as illness and personal reasons for taking days off.
HR managers need to identify employee stressors and address them. Strategies to prevent employees from suffering too much stress at work can result in less absenteeism. Employees who are happy at work will only take days off for genuine reasons and not to escape a negative workplace environment.
Stimulates creativity and innovation
The creative insights of employees can help to move organizations forward in an innovative way. A negative work environment does not promote creative thinking because too much energy is devoted to dealing with negativity. Creative thinking is so important today due to the competitiveness of business, and it won’t flourish in a negative office environment. When employees do not feel free to express their opinions or ideas, creativity will be lacking.
When employees feel free to express their ideas and know that they are appreciated, this stimulates them to think outside the box and come up with suggestions for improvement. Valuing employees, empowering them and giving them creative freedom means that innovation becomes an integral part of the company culture. An inspiring workplace gives employees the opportunity to invest innovation and creativity in every single task they have to accomplish.
Promotes continuous development
In the absence of a work environment where employees feel encouraged to grow and develop, productivity and work efficiency will be lower.
Systematic sharing of feedback and supporting continuous learning creates more productivity in the workplace. When employees feel they have opportunities to learn and improve, they are less inclined to leave. They feel motivated to address their weak points and focus on their strengths.
Constructive feedback from superiors can help employees in their professional development. Managers should be sensitive to the different learning needs of employees and support them. In a work environment that supports the growth of employees and helps them to progress in their careers, productivity will be high.
Reduces employee turnover
When employees are unhappy due to a negative work environment, they are more likely to resign. Replacing employees is a costly exercise. Surveys show that employees highly value wellbeing and not just material benefits. Fostering social connections, showing empathy, and encouraging employees to communicate lead to a positive workplace culture which boosts engagement and commitment.
A positive workplace increases employee wellbeing, promotes successful communication and relationships and amplifies employee strengths. Employees in a happy workplace are more loyal, more able to handle challenges, and their health doesn’t suffer as the result of work stress.
