Creating a great workplace | Pat Perry

If your organization is committed, here are some ideas to help you develop a workplace people will love.

There are some pretty easy ways to enhance your workplace.

It is important to note that my suggestions are focused on attracting and retaining top performers. So, if your organization is committed to the top performer talent management model, here are some ideas (not in any order) to help you develop a workplace people will love:

• Paint colors – Consider using bright, energizing colors on your company’s walls. That would include the interiors of factories, warehouses and distribution centers. Throw in some tasteful, fun and bright artwork and furniture and you have the beginnings of a workplace that, even on the gloomiest days, shines bright.

• Make some noise – Invest in some decent speakers throughout your building and pump in uplifting music. I’ve been to too many work settings where you can hear a pin drop. Unless your business requires a quiet work setting, adding some pleasant music to the work setting does wonders.

• Ask them – Don’t forget to ask your top performers their ideas of how to improve your work environment. Their insight and thoughts may surprise you and they will appreciate being asked.

• Productive work setting – Make sure your employees have the tools, technology and resources they need to get the job done.

• Personalize – Let employees (tastefully) personalize their workspaces. • What’s on the walls – Consider hanging art and/ or photographs on the walls that tell a story and have meaning. They are great conversation pieces and reflect the personality of your staff and workplace.

• HVAC – When it comes to heating and cooling you probably can’t please everyone at work. Yet, you can ensure that there is good airflow and temperatures are set at reasonable levels.

• Great place to eat – There are exceptional workplaces that remodeled their work spaces around kitchens and dining areas that reflect the company’s culture. These “hubs” provide centralized areas where employees can gather throughout the workday, collaborate, converse and socialize. They provide a way for all employees to get away from their work spaces to take a breather and enjoy a snack or meal versus one of the worst places to eat – their desks.

• Keep them off balance – People love nice surprises and the workplace is no exception. From spot bonuses to bringing in an ice cream truck, there are countless ways to surprise your staff, put a smile on their faces and continued to remind them that your workplace is different, fun and filled with tremendous people.

• Can eat off the floor – Workplace cleanliness sends a message to your staff and visitors that you care about your team and have organizational pride.

• Sit or Stand – Having attractive and ergonomically friendly furniture is as important as any other resource or tool needed by your team to do their jobs. Whether it is a standing desk or a properly designed conference chair, furniture matters to people. Like brightly colored walls, carefully select fabrics and colors that are pleasing to the eye and complement your work setting.

• What schedule? – The 9-to-5 in office job is changing and evolving. Today, you can find dozens of variations of the traditional workday, and top performers are appreciating the flexibility.

• Show them the money – Employees expect companies to pay very competitive wages and provide well-rounded benefits packages today. With a premium on finding and keeping good people, it is critical that companies assess their programs and ensure that they are meaningful and commensurate with job duties and responsibilities.

• Safety –People want to go to work at a safe place. It is incumbent upon organizational leaders to invest energy and dollars into programs that increase the probability that employees can feel and be safe in a place where they can enjoy their work and make a positive difference.

• Thank you – Workplace recognition programs are vital to a healthy corporate culture. Team and individual performance

It is important to note that my suggestions are focused on attracting and retaining top performers.

should be recognized through cash and non-cash programs. Whether it is simply saying thank you or providing tangible awards, employees want and need to know they are appreciated and contributing to the success of the business.

• Giving back – Today, employees expect their organizations to make a positive difference in the community. It may be a community project, donation or allowing your team paid time off to volunteer. Whatever form it takes, community service is fast becoming an important ‘pillar’ in the foundation of a great place to work.

• Care - The person in the corner office needs to care more about his/her people than profits.

None of the ideas outlined above are hard to accomplish. It is a matter of commitment to building and sustaining a great workplace for top performers. If you do, the probabilities will significantly increase that business success will follow.