The relationship between employees and the company is a two-way street: employees utilize their talents and experience to propel the company forward. In contrast, the company agrees to compensate them for their work.

However, there’s more to building a team than just that. A successful team boils down to the intellectual, physical, and emotional ways they are supported. It’s not as complicated as it may seem — develop a positive work environment and leave employees feeling like valued members of your organization with a few simple steps.  

1. See Issues as Opportunities 

A positive work environment begins with positive people. Accepting that issues are a part of all professions allows us to see the situations for what they are — opportunities to learn and improve. For how we handle these issues determines our future.  

When colleagues work towards solving problems, it builds the team community, encourages collaboration, and makes the company stronger. And solving problems as a team develops stronger bonds between colleagues, which improves the overall dynamic of the workspace.  

2. Create a Culture of Appreciation 

A lack of appreciation is the reason so many new hires leave after a few years of experience. And no salary can retain an employee who feels unappreciated and undervalued. As Voltaire once said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” In the same way, employees who feel appreciated will not only stay with a company but become an integral part of that company.  

The most important thing a person can do to develop a culture of appreciation is to show gratitude for others’ work. A successful idea should be rightly celebrated, but so should failure if the effort and intent are on target.  

Employee appreciation will look different for every company, but most people want to be seen, heard, and respected for who they are and what they do. 

3. Foster Communication 

A lack of communication builds a negative work environment. For a solid team foundation, simple, straightforward communication is a necessity. Conducting regular check-ins is one example of simple communication. Stop by employees’ desks and check in with them on current projects. If working remotely, send an informal message with a follow-up to their response. This small action can boost productivity regardless of an employee’s location. 

Whether reporting daily progress, attending weekly meetings or chat sessions, or sending a few communication lines between working hours, the work environment and relationship between managers and team members will improve.  

4. Prioritize Training of New Hires 

A high-performing team isn’t based on the sink-or-swim mentality. Companies realize that in order to retain new hires and create a positive work environment, training is key. 

While not all organizations are the same, scheduling time for the following will streamline the awkward initiation phase: 

• Shadow coworkers 
• Read important company files and documents 
• Sit in on meetings 

5. Facilitate Learning Opportunities 

It’s easy to focus on the things that will make your team more productive in the short term; however, giving thought to the long term is critical. Workplace learning and experimentation is essential. When a company prioritizes professional development, employees transcend, and performance expands. 

Employees will benefit from even informal learning experiences, especially new hires, while senior staff members have years of knowledge to share. 

Find the Support You Need 

To retain your best people, you can’t simply give them work; you need to provide them with something uncommon — a workplace and work they find uplifting. Need more help cultivating a positive work environment? Contact Performance Personnel to discuss solutions.