Ask an HR Pro: How Can I Create a Positive Work Environment?

Creating a positive work environment is crucial for the well-being and success of both employees and organizations, and it plays a major role in your ability to hire and retain staff. In our 2024 Hiring & Job Search Outlook Report survey, 71.7% of candidates said a positive work environment was the most important aspect to them – besides salary – in their next job, with good relationships with manager(s)/supervisor(s) following closely behind (57.3%).

There’s no doubt that a positive workplace fosters productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction, but how do you go about creating one? What can you do to build and sustain a good company culture?

We asked Vickie Krolak, HR Consultant at iHire, to share strategies for cultivating a positive work environment that will bring out the best in your team and help you attract and retain top talent.

Maintain Open Communication & Transparency

“Open and transparent communication is the foundation of a positive work environment,” said Krolak. “Encourage employee feedback and provide multiple channels for open dialogue so you can establish trust, enhance collaboration, and address issues proactively.”

Regular check-ins and team meetings are a great way to ensure everyone has a voice and feels heard.

Recognize & Appreciate Your Employees

“It may seem obvious, but recognizing and appreciating employees’ contributions is an essential aspect of creating a positive work environment,” Krolak continued. “Even small gestures of gratitude boost morale over time, so don’t underestimate the power of a small ‘thank you’ or ‘well done.'”

Recognition shouldn’t just be delivered by leadership, either.

“It’s important for managers and supervisors to recognize their team members, but also offer opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition. This will help reinforce a culture of appreciation across your company, increase collaboration, and improve morale even further,” added Krolak.

Empower Healthy Work-Life Balance

Promoting work-life balance is crucial for fostering a positive work environment where the mindset and focus are on performance. Flexible work schedules, remote work or hybrid options, and well-being initiatives can empower employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively.

“Don’t forget that your employees have lives outside of your workplace. Benefits and perks that support healthy work-life balance enable your current team to perform at their best, and it demonstrates that you care about them as people,” Krolak said. “Also, ensure your supervisors are trained on how to best support teams in different workplace settings.”

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Invest in Your Employees’ Growth

“Helping your employees grow professionally not only benefits your organization but also demonstrates that you’re invested in them. When people can clearly see how their careers will progress, they are more positive, more motivated, and not as likely to look for opportunities elsewhere,” explained Krolak.

Training programs, courses, conferences, and mentors are all great options for employee development. Consider creating career paths for every team member as well and support them in achieving their goals.

Organize Team Building Activities

“Use team building to create positive relationships and a sense of belonging within the organization,” Krolak said. “Organize exercises, events, and activities that encourage collaboration, trust, and camaraderie among team members. Seek out a variety of activities as well to meet different personalities and preferences, and make sure to get feedback on what people liked and didn’t like.”

These activities can range from team retreats and workshops to fun virtual games and challenges if you have a remote workforce.

Creating a positive work environment requires a deliberate and ongoing effort. By focusing on open communication, employee recognition, work-life balance, employee development, and team building, you can cultivate a workplace culture that nurtures positivity and drives success.

Explore our Employer Resource Center for more advice on building a good company culture, and if you’re looking for more personalized guidance, learn how Krolak and our other HR experts can help your organization thrive with our outsourced HR services.