8 Ways a Positive Culture Can Create a Productive Workplace

How To Create A Productive Workplace January 11, 2023

Priyanka Bhadani

Writer

8 Steps to Making a Productive Workplace

Crafting a productive workplace culture requires effort and energy but is well worth the long term positive benefits. In fact, case studies have shown that efforts to create productive workplaces influence a wide variety of business factors ranging from work life balance levels to bottom line profitability.

8 steps to create a productive work culture include-

1. Purpose

Case studies suggest that job satisfaction is highly influenced by the sense of purpose that team members feel regarding the work they produce. When team members have higher job satisfaction levels, they are more likely to have higher employee engagement levels.

Higher employee engagement and job satisfaction levels positively influence both the company culture and workplace environment as a whole. Encouraging team members to feel a sense of purpose surrounding the positive work they produce relies on excellent communication.

Management must make sure to clearly express companywide objectives and values to employees. As a result, team members are more likely to align their own personal goals with the goals of their business.

2. Transparency

A company culture and work environment that values transparency are immensely beneficial to a business. In order to create productive workplaces, management must make sure that team members are well aware of not only their own responsibilities but the responsibilities of others.

This transparency between team members decreases the likelihood of completing duplicative work and increases long term employee engagement levels. As a result, team members are able to feel more comfortable in their working environment and are more productive.

3. Scenery

Dull office space can negatively influence employee engagement and job satisfaction levels. When team members come into the office space each day to the same view, they can struggle to find motivation and feel bored.

Remember, people work differently in various work environment types. For example, while some people work best in natural light outside, other people prefer a working environment that is inside and less bright.

4. Environment

Subtle work environment factors such as ambient noise levels and natural light exposure can make a significant impact on the overall productivity of a workplace. Case studies suggest that even small changes like adding plants and changing paint colors can help to create productive workers.

An example of a small change used to create productive workspaces is through the application of matte glosses when painting walls. Brighter colors are said to increase emotionality, so less bright colors can help foster a work environment that is less stressful.

Case studies regarding plant introduction into an office space are particularly fascinating. Impacts of plants on mental health include-

38% lower rates of fatigue
44% fewer feelings of anger and hostility
58% decrease in depression
37% reduction in anxiety

5. Tools

Businesses must make sure to supply employees with the tools they need to perform their tasks. A common mistake that companies make is the assumption that there has been a reduction in productive work when in actuality, they have failed to supply team members with the necessary tools.

Some companies are hesitant to provide their workers with various tools to avoid negative impacts on their bottom line profits. However, not supplying the tools needed to produce productive work actually hurts a company's bottom line as well as employee's job satisfaction rates.

Additionally, when employees feel that they are being properly invested in, they are much more likely to create productive work.

6. Collaboration

Excellent employee communication and collaboration are foundational to create productive work cultures. When people work well together they are more likely to have high job satisfaction and employee engagement levels.

Positive work benefits that businesses experience as a result of increased collaboration include a boost in the overall company culture and improved long term bottom line profitability. Methods for increasing collaboration opportunities range from brainstorming sessions to shared document accessibility.

7. Breaks

Case studies show that team members who take regular breaks are more productive but often employers insist that people work as much as possible. Ironically, hyperfocus on creating a productive workplace can actually end up decreasing productivity by pushing employees too far.

When team members are overworked they are more likely to have lower employee engagement and job satisfaction rates. Additionally, the entire office environment and company culture will be adversely influenced by overworking team members.

To combat this, team members should be encouraged to take regular breaks and maintain a work life balance that is healthy.

8. Recognition

Employee recognition is absolutely crucial to create and maintain productive office cultures. Unfortunately, too many businesses not only fail to recognize positive work contributions but fail to even satisfy basic employee needs.

For example, team members who are not provided with a living wage, healthcare, and a healthy work life balance are unlikely to become more productive even when recognized for positive work performed.

However, if a business succeeds in satisfying basic employee needs, financial incentives and bonuses can majorly increase productivity.

Key Takeaways

Creating a positive work culture helps create a more productive workplace.
Providing a healthy work life balance and supplying consistent recognition for high quality work performed are two ways to encourage a positive work culture.