The environment of a workplace is often determined by a company’s core values. Elements of a work environment include the social aspects, the setting, and the physical conditions under which employees perform their duties. Whether or not an employee is happy in a particular environment is oftentimes dependent on their own personal preferences such as particular communication styles, their feelings on commuting to and from an office, and whether they thrive in group settings versus individually. Today we’re going to take a look at the trending preferences employees have when it comes to work environments, helping you to be the best employer you can be.
Respect
Respect plays a big role in creating a harmonious and positive work environment. By maintaining respectful interactions within your team, productivity has room to grow and overall satisfaction increases. Tension and disrespect breeds negativity and stress, creating a rift in the harmony of your company. Inclusivity is also vital in the workplace. There should be an understanding that all members of a company are working towards the goal of overall success. Inclusion helps to ensure that all members of the team feel valued and add value. In other words, all employees should feel that they belong in your workplace.
Work-Life Balance
This is a necessity for most. Employees desire the ability to spend time with their families and take time off every once in a while. PTO helps individuals look after their own personal well-being as well as thrive in and out of the workplace. By allowing your employees the grace to take care of their personal needs so long as it does not impact their overall performance, you will increase productivity and foster both trust and loyalty from your employees. There should be a level of understanding within the company that everyone is human and they may require flexibility from time to time in order to take care of the health and wellness of themselves and their loved ones.
Transparency
Good communication is the hallmark of any relationship. Especially in a professional sense. By eliminating miscommunications through speaking clearly and effectively, there is less room for error. Ensure that information is communicated in a way that minimizes misinterpretation. This lessens stress and confusion for the employee, while benefiting the employer through mutual trust and transparency.
Fair Compensation
This one should go without saying. Fair compensation is one of the main keys to maintaining satisfied employees. Room for growth is also a plus when it comes to retaining your team and lessening the turnover rate.
As mentioned before, different employees have different communication styles and values. When hiring, make sure to choose candidates whose values reflect those of the company. An individual who thrives in groups may not thrive in a work-from-home environment where team meetings are held weekly rather than daily. Prioritize learning about candidates and current employees to gauge how they may fit in your organization.
