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The atmosphere you generate at work has a huge influence on how well you and your colleagues do your job. Each individual in an organisation has a role to play in creating the right ambience that will enhance creativity and promote a good work ethic. A positive office environment does so much more than play an instrumental part in the success of your organisation; it carries over to when you leave for the day. If you are happy at work, you are much more likely to be happy in other areas of your life.
With this in mind, here are some top tips that you can follow to help make your workplace somewhere where everyone looks forward to arriving each day:
Smile, laugh and spread good energy. Your work is hopefully making you happy, so share your good vibes with others. Making an effort to be optimistic and cheerful gives your colleagues the cue to reciprocate, resulting in a positive feedback loop for everyone!
Kindness to your co-worker is an essential component of meaningful interpersonal skills. When people go beyond normal professional interactions to become caring on personal level, it is contagious!
Whether it is a co-worker who’s nervous about taking a lead in a presentation, or a junior colleague unsure of their exact role, let them know that you’re there for them. Not only is this great for teamwork, it means you are likely to have someone there for you on a day when you yourself could do with some support.
Good manners are free – basic courtesy costs nothing. Always saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way, as does holding open a door for a colleague or offering a round of coffees. Politeness, respect and consideration are the building blocks for a positive work environment.
We are in the business of communication and the most essential aspect of this is listening. Not only does being a good listener send out a message that you value your colleagues’ thoughts and opinions, it has been proven to result in an increased level of knowledge sharing that leads to more innovative and creative work.
Going ‘behind someone’s back’ is a phrase that has negative connotations, but not when it means you area saying good things about your colleagues! Support your co-workers by talking positively about them and appreciating their efforts in front of the boss.
Prioritising the real qualities in life over mere material things shows that you rise above superficiality, thereby helping to create an atmosphere of sincerity. As Oscar Wilde said: “Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”
Always do the right thing, whether you stand to gain or lose from the results. Be ready to give your rationale as to why you were unflinchingly honest. Others may or may not appreciate your integrity, but a reputation for honesty means that people will always know where you stand.
So there you have it – eight easy ways to enhance your office environment, create a great atmosphere and improve your organisation’s opportunities for success! Get busy spreading good vibes!