CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY WORK


An organization is formed to achieve certain goals and objectives by bringing individuals together on a common platform and motivating them to deliver their level best. The employees need to enjoy the workplace for them to develop a sense of loyalty towards it.

Work culture plays an important role in extracting the best out of employees and making them stick to the organization for a longer duration. The organization must offer a positive ambience to the employees for them to concentrate on their work rather than interfering in each other’s work.

An organization is said to have a strong work culture when the employees follow the organization’s rules and regulations and adhere to the existing guidelines. However, there are certain organizations where employees are reluctant to follow the instructions and are made to work only by strict procedures. Such organizations have a weak culture.


WHAT IS WORK CULTURE?

Work culture is a concept that deals in the study of:

  • Beliefs thought processes, and attitudes of the employees.
  • Ideologies and principles of the organization.

It is the work culture which decides the way employees interact with each other and how an organization functions.

In layman’s language word culture refers to the mentality of the employees which further decides the ambience of the organization.

What is it we are to look for when we want to see and understand our organization’s culture?


CULTURE IS REPRESENTED IN A GROUP OF THINGS, SUCH AS:

  • language
  • decision making
  • symbols
  • stories and legends
  • daily work practices


WHAT IMPACTS WORK CULTURE?


Work culture evolves based on the behaviours of the people within the organization, from management to entry-level employees. Company leadership sets the tone for company culture through their policies, benefits and mission. Managers shape company culture through their hiring practices, where they can select applicants whose personal vision aligns with the healthy work culture. The physical environment of a workplace also influences culture, with many offices opting for an open floor plan, natural lighting and the inclusion of perks such as in-office gyms and break room amenities.

 

Something as simple as the objects chosen to be displayed on a desk tells you a lot about how employees view and participate. How do your employees participate in your organization’s culture? The use of web-based collaboration and communication programs (such as Skype, WebEx, etc.), your bulletin board content, the company newsletter, the interaction of employees in meetings, and the other ways in which people collaborate, speak volumes about your organizational culture.


ELEMENTS OF A HEALTHY WORK CULTURE


Culture is a complex concept that constantly evolves in the workplace based on many elements. While some people may value a more traditional work culture and others want something more modern and fun, all healthy work cultures have many traits in common. Look for these signs of a prospering work culture when considering possible employers:

 

  • Accountability
  • Equity
  • Expression
  • Communication
  • Recognition



Here are some characteristics of positive workplace cultures:

  • There’s frequent and appropriate communication from management and HR. Transparency tells employees they’re trusted and reduces the chances of rumours taking over for real communication. When the upper levels of the organization are open with employees, it can help foster good communication throughout the organization.
  • Real teamwork is encouraged. Employees work well together and don’t often fight among themselves.
  • The organizational goals are known, and employees know how their role fits into the big picture. They understand how they are helping the organization achieve its goals. This comes down to communication, in many cases.
  • The organization has values, communicates those values to employees, and acts in ways that are consistent with those values.
  • Employee morale is high. This can be gauged through employee engagement surveys.
  • Workload expectations are appropriate, minimizing employee burnout. (Employee burnout can lead to stress, negativity, and reduced morale.)
  • Consideration is given to work/life balance, and steps are taken to help employees achieve it.
  • Employees are treated fairly, and there is consistency in how employees are treated across groups and teams. There’s no sense of unfairness or favouritism.
  • Harassment, disrespect, discrimination, bullying, unsafe behaviours, and violence are not tolerated in any way. Policies and actions reflect this.
  • Problem employees are dealt with appropriately and promptly. Other employees want to know the employer can be trusted to protect them and not foster a workplace that has problems.
  • The employer finds ways to show employees appreciation. Employee efforts are recognized. Recognition is frequent.
  • The organization does not tolerate (let alone encourage) unethical or dishonest behaviour. If this behaviour is discovered in the organization, steps are taken to eliminate it. Employees are more likely to stay with a company they respect.
  • Employee development programs have been implemented, and employees know where they are concerning their long-term development plans. This usually includes an employee training program to augment employee development plans. Employees should see that the organization is invested in their future.
  • Employees are given the tools they need to succeed. Goals are clear, and employees have the confidence they will be able to achieve what is expected of them.
  • The workplace is not overly rigid. Things change, and circumstances change. Employer rules cannot be so rigid that they do not allow any flexibility for changing situations. Flexibility can come in many forms, but it’s important the employer shows it.
  • Employees are given feedback frequently and appropriately. Employees want to know how they’re doing—tell them



IMPORTANCE OF A POSITIVE WORK CULTURE

People need healthy environments to thrive, and this is especially true in the workplace. The attitudes and behaviours that you interact with every day have an impact on how you feel both in the workplace and at home. A flourishing work culture influences all aspects of a business and the people within it.

Here are reasons why healthy workplace culture is important:

  • Better hiring choices
  • Employee happiness
  • Employee retention
  • Performance quality
  • Reputation


REFERENCES:

https://www.managementstudyguide.com/work-culture.htm

https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2018/07/13/characteristics-positive-workplace-culture/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/work-culture


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