Terms such as 'atmosphere' and 'vibe' can be difficult to define but are easy to sense. As soon as I enter a new workplace, whether I'm there for an interview or an official visit, I can instantly get a sense for what the place is like and how the people there feel. Workplaces with tense environments, lacking in energy are not fun places to be. On the other hand, workplaces with happy and motivated employees are a pleasure to spend time in. Folks in office manager or people operations roles are often aware that their office has a problem but are at a loss at how to solve it. This article gives you some easily implementable tips on how create a better vibe in the office today.
Make a budget for company culture
Coming up with fun initiatives to improve culture and engagement isn't always an easy thing to do. You sometimes need to think pretty creatively to identify things everyone in the office will enjoy. Being the person largely responsible for employee happiness might seem like a daunting prospect but it doesn't have to be a struggle. A straightforward but highly effective place to start is with healthy and delicious meal options and snacks. Other suggestions include office parties, charity events and improving the decor. Our helpful guide on "how to create a happier workplace" offers some great advice on this. This doesn't all have to be your responsibility either, employees love getting involved. Perhaps set up a couple of event committees and groups to get the creative juices flowing. Believe me, your efforts will pay off - millennials generally expect certain perks in the workplace and are much more satisfied when they can find meaning in their work.
Build a sustainable office
It is important to ensure your workplace meets the needs of everyone at the company. Creating a greener, more environmentally friendly office can benefit both the company and its employees. It will help to reduce costs and contribute positively to a green company image. Research has shown that companies that ‘go green’ are more productive than their counterparts who don’t. Employees like working for companies that are progressive and forward-thinking. Adopting green policies reduce costs, helps the environment and also shapes employees’ attitudes towards the company. Our article on “6 Simple Steps to a Greener Office” gives you some useful starting points.
Know what people like
Knowing about about the interests and preferences of your colleagues will allow you to have a significant impact on the vibe in your office. Knowing who is vegetarian or who has a nut allergy, for example, will mean the world to these employees. Use the resources you already have for this, a Slack group or email survey can work very well. The most successful companies by far are the ones who create inclusive office environments.
There's no doubt it takes a talented team to create an environment with positive energy and good vibes. Running a happy office with a strong company culture is no mean feat! Working on the tips outlined will help you to achieve a much better atmosphere in your office and, crucially, will help everyone to feel valued.
