INADEQUATE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

We all need a friendly and motivating work environment. The conditions in which we work, such as physical space or personal relationships, are vital to everyone and determine the quality of our work.

The well-being of our employees is transformed into performance and talent retention.

How not to improve the working environment?

It is easy to get an idea of what we should do to improve working conditions: be nice, listen. Now we are going to focus on some issues that may be ambiguous or that, when put into practice, the results produced will not benefit anyone.

What should we not do?

1. Expect easy relationships

Relationships are complicated, even in the best of environments; we cannot expect or demand that there are always agreements, so it is vital to create a climate of tolerance where we reward respect.

2. Focus on changing what is wrong

Sometimes it is useful, but what if we enhance what is already good? This is the key to change coming from within and establishing lasting improvements.

3. Implementing measures without listening

This never works. Practice active listening to understand the employee’s point of view and make them feel taken into account.

Listening needs to be accompanied by an open, flexible and respectful mindset.

One thing is listening, and another is caring, asking questions, being tolerant. The first is just a formality, and the second is the basis for a relationship of trust.

4. Changing people or trying to change them

If we want to improve relations within our teams, we must focus on improving working conditions. We cannot change people; we can only change situations and circumstances so that they are favourable to creating well-being, motivation, etc.

5. Say thank you

You can say thank you, as we have all been taught, or you can take this opportunity to create a bond of trust with your employees. The difference is again in whether we do it as a formality or because we value them.

If we show them that we know them, they will feel valued, motivated to keep giving their best and will also be open to listening and improving.