5 Tips for a Positive Work Environment

You know that feeling you get when you walk into a room and the mood is lively, the people are chipper, and the ambiance is upbeat? Or how about when you feel out of place, like everyone is staring at you, and you can cut the awkwardness with a knife?  Whether it’s the first or thousandth time, it’s all about how it feels. That vibe is something you can impact – directly and indirectly. Today I’m diving into some tips to help you recognize, improve, and thrive in your environments, all while keeping them positive. 

Positive Vibes, Positive Mind

A positive environment makes you feel good about showing up to work day in and day out. It can include everything from relationships, culture, temperature, opportunities, and coffee options. Yes, coffee.

Keep these five tips in mind and ask yourself if your current environment is providing you the space (physically and mentally) to accomplish each of them.

1. Open Communication

This simple concept is often over-complicated and overlooked. Words. Communication is comprised of words and language. Most people are willing to enter into a conversation if these three things are known:

1. Is the topic painful?
2. How long will it take?
3. When finished, what do you want/need from me?

Being up-front in how words are exchanged is important to help reach a desired outcome. Look at what the body language is revealing and listen to the tone. This will help as you approach other co-workers, and remember: practice, practice, practice. Being a good communicator takes consistency, willingness, transparency, attention, and effort.  

“Communication must be HOT = Honest, Open, and Two-Way” – Dan Oswald

2. Work-Life Balance

Ahh … the familiar struggle. Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, focus on what brings you joy and excitement. Enjoy reading? Like taking an evening stroll in the neighborhood? Concert-goer? Exercise enthusiast? Whatever yours is, do “that,” and make time for it. This will help strike a balance instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed by demands.

Follow these five ways to bring balance into your routine:

1. Schedule activities to recharge
2. Don’t waste your time on things that don’t boost your career or personal life
3. Rethink errands
4. Move your body
5. Relax

3. Training & Development

If you’re not willing to adapt, you’re more likely to get replaced. As harsh as that sounds, it’s the reality in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven, constantly changing era. If your employer doesn’t offer opportunities for training, efficiency, and increased productivity, go find them!

There are countless resources available (freebies, even). Whether professional or personal development, here are some tips on where you can look/get started:

1. Ask for recommendations (friends, family, colleagues, etc.)
2. Conduct a trusty Google search
3. Check with local clubs/organizations

And, when you learn something new … share it! Have fun with training and opportunities to grow. Be open and willing to try new things. Stay curious.

4. Recognition

Positive reinforcement is a clever little thing. It’s simply the process of recognizing and rewarding behavior. The key with this is to be authentic. If you recognize or notice hard work, verbally acknowledge it. A few simple words can go a long way. When was the last time you gave praise to a co-worker? Said a genuine thank you for a job well done? Acknowledged when someone went above and beyond? 

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn

5. Team Morale

It’s human nature to seek support from our peers and “belong.” Feeling a sense of unity is important, because you no longer feel like you’re working for yourself. Build togetherness with bonding. Find time to do things as a team. Deal with issues. Celebrate things like deadlines, birthdays, goals met, holidays, or it being Friday. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or formal.

Become A Magnet

I hope this helps provide some insight into easy things you can implement for a positive work environment. Some of them may already exist and just need extra uncovering. Regardless, the way you approach your environment is yours to shape, frame, and improve. Positivity is something we all have the ability to impact, and it's contagious. And, our attitude contributes to this in more ways than one. Positivity attracts positivity. Stay ambitious, keep pushing, and find the good.