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Four Ways to Create a Better Work Environment and Increase Job
Productivity
What kind of environment do you think creates the most potential for job productivity – one in which everything is
very regimented and the workers perform their work because they are afraid of “getting in trouble,” or one in which
the workers are relaxed and allowed a great deal of freedom and flexibility? It is the great working conundrum – to
get workers to do more, you have to let them work less. Further, you have to create a work environment in which
work is not stressful. In fact, creating an environment in which work is even enjoyable and a pleasure gets the
best results of all! If you want to get your employees to improve their job productivity and job performance,
forget about cracking the whip. Instead, think about how you can make coming to work appealing for them, so they
actually want to get things done for you!
The first way to create a better work environment and increase job productivity comes down very much to your
attitude and the way you treat your employees. Make sure you create an environment in which your workers can come
to you and discuss work related problems they are having with you. The feedback you get from them will enable to
make sure the office is working as efficiently as possible. Additionally, it will allow you to stay on top of
everything that is happening in the office much easier – instead of employees trying to hide mistakes and problems
from you, they will bring them to your attention and work on finding a solution. Above all else, creating a good
relationship with your employees will keep the mood in the office positive – no one likes working for someone who
doesn’t appreciate them or casts a black cloud over the office. You’ll get more out of your employees if they are
happy when they are at work.
The next thing you can do is consider “fun” options, like a dress down day once a week or a weekly office lunch get
together. These kinds of shared activities increase the team building and the morale among the workers in your
office. When everyone feels like he or she is a member of a team, they will be more likely to feel responsible to
each other and perform better at their daily tasks.
The third idea for creating a better office environment is related to the second, but has more to do with the
actual office itself. Open plan offices are believed by experts to increase feelings of belonging and team
membership among employees. Try to encourage shared workspaces and a healthy exchange of ideas between your
employees at all times. Again, when employees feel like they are part of a team working together for a common goal,
they will be more likely to make sure they are holding up their end of the bargain.
Last but not least, make sure your employees are well rested and as stress free as possible. Allowing flex time
hours in your office is a great way to give employees more control over their time; it gives them time to get rest
when they need it or take a day off when they need to recharge. Encourage your employees to disconnect from the
office when they are not at work instead of being constantly available, even after hours or when they are on
vacation. An employee who actually gets some time off will be more productive when they return to the office.
Likewise, make sure that the office has a break room that offers a real respite for employees during the day, and
encourage employees to make use of it. Allowing your employees to get they breaks they will increase their ability
to deliver for you when they return.
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