It’s no secret: employee productivity, as well as their level of job satisfaction, is closely linked to the perceived atmosphere at work. For that reason, promote a relaxed work environment and even fun should become a priority for any company. Gone are the years when companies sought to increase the productivity of their employees by removing all “distractions”!
Ideas to improve a work environment
Here are some simple activities that could have a profound—and positive—impact on employee morale…and therefore on your business results.
1. Recognize the work of your workers
It is well known that people are motivated not only by the salary they receive, but also by the recognition that their work can provide. If your employees perform well, it’s not enough that you know it: make them know it, and even, acknowledge them publicly. You can congratulate them in person, put a post-it on their computers, or host a toast in their honor.
2. Create an “employee of the month” board
A fun option to recognize your employees is to put up an honor board. Based on some merit, among all of you choose someone who deserves special recognition. They can choose, for example, someone who always manages to go home on time, who tells the best jokes… The idea is that it be an activity that integrates them as a team, and not a reason for competition.
3. Prevent your employees from turning their backs on each other
To encourage interaction between workers, it is essential that you have the space in such a way that they can sit opposite each other. Also, look for a large space in which you can integrate employees from different departments.
4. Print funny phrases and place them in unexpected places
Remember the hilarious feud over a stolen sandwich that went viral a few years ago? Encourage a similar interaction among your employees, which goes beyond what is strictly work-related and makes everyone laugh a couple of times. You can put signs with funny messages on the printer, the garbage cans, or the refrigerator.
“In case of fire, leave the building before tweeting” / Photo: Funny Signs
5. Play music
Today, it is common to see office workers with headphones and music at full volume… and almost no interaction. Listening to music together is an excellent way to integrate and relax the environment. They can take turns putting songs on their computers; Better yet, set themed days: “Nostalgia Monday”, “Salsa Tuesday”, “Rock Wednesday”, etc. Do you already know the playlists we create to motivate and concentrate?
6. Place a blackboard to write occurrences
Hang up a large whiteboard, put out lots of markers, and let your workers own it. They can write things related to work, like to-do lists or brainstorming, but don’t limit it to work: let them write funny phrases, draw things, etc.
7. Set up a relaxation room
We all feel overwhelmed from time to time, and we need disconnect from the world even for a few minutes to recharge energy and clear the mind. Allocate a space in the office so that employees can isolate themselves and rest, or simply be quiet for a moment.
Place puffs, plants, cushions to meditate… whatever to create a pleasant space. And, of course, a sign on the door that says: “Do not disturb, employee recharging batteries.”
8. Organize informal meetings
Put aside the classic work meetings – sitting around a table, with PowerPoint presentations and notebooks in hand – and organize meetings that allow them to feel more comfortable. How about going out for a coffee once in a while? You can contemplate it in the budget of your company. Or why not order something to eat to share while discussing projects?
9. Host a happy hour at the office
Do you remember when in How I Met Your Mother (how i met your mother), Ted set up margarita vending machines in the office to win over his employees? Margarita Fridays may be too much for you, but consider joining the Happy Hour trend at work. One day a week, or when you want to celebrate a special event, offer a toast for your employees in the office. If it works for Dropbox, why not for you?
Every Friday, try to bring something to eat to share with the rest of the workers: it can be cookies, mini sandwiches, a cake, jelly, coffee… Better if it is healthy food.