A positive workplace attitude generally tends to boost staff morale and can lead to business advantages, such as higher productivity, an increased sense of loyalty to the organization, and lower staff turnover. There are various ways to improve workplace attitude. By assessing current issues and working together to correct problems, managers and their staff can create a positive working environment for all. Some additional things that managers can do to facilitate changes are to model positive behavior, foster open communication between all staff members, and provide incentives and rewards to deserving employees.
As a manager or a human resources professional, your first step in trying to improve workplace attitude might be to evaluate your employees’ opinions on current workplace issues. You may be looking for reactions to a particular policy or a change in procedure, or you may be trying to determine the general overall mind-set of the staff. There are several ways to assess workplace attitude. One is to read performance reviews to gain insight into employees’ thoughts on important issues. Second, you could ask specific questions while talking informally with staff members. A third approach is to periodically conduct a formal staff survey and analyze the responses.
Many human resources experts suggest turning the survey results and other employee feedback into an action plan to help achieve positive outcomes. In some cases, negative comments and input can actually benefit this process, because the responsibility usually falls on everyone to make things better. Instead of allowing employees to wallow in negativity, you can try to develop positive steps to address their complaints, involving the complainers, so that they participate in the solutions.
Both positive and negative attitudes are contagious, according to many human resources consultants. As a result, another technique for improving workplace morale is to model the type of attitude that you want your employees to embrace. In addition, it often helps to focus on results and to promote a sense of teamwork, as opposed to enforcing a strict worker-supervisor mentality.
Many people also find that effective communication is essential in the workplace. It can benefit everyone if managers have an open-door policy regarding employees’ ability to voice concerns, and if they provide constructive feedback to staff members about their performances. A related goal may be fostering positive communication between all employees. Gossip and negative actions, for example, tend to lead to a hostile work environment and poor workplace attitude. Managers may also want to have clear policies regarding workplace conduct, and disciplinary procedures for violating those policies.
Often, employees also appreciate tangible rewards for good performance. Some potential examples include financial incentives and flexible work schedules. Affordable benefits, such as health and life insurance, usually are appreciated as well. To further promote a positive workplace attitude, many organizations plan fun social activities for bonding and morale boosting, such as holiday parties and birthday recognitions.
