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Building a Healthy Workplace
A healthy workplace environment is essential for economic growth. But just as important, a healthy workplace environment leads to higher job satisfaction and employee development. Over the last decade, factors such as rising costs, technology and changeable markets have greatly impacted the workforce, resulting in increased expectations and pressures for employees. This is why it is crucial to develop an environment where recognition, flexibility, good communication, purpose and balance are valued. The result is a healthy workplace culture characterized by engaged employees who take pride in their work and have good mental, social and emotional health.
However, it is not possible to develop a healthy workplace culture overnight, nor is it the sole responsibility of the organization. According to a Gallup research study, a healthy workplace culture is formed with both management and employee participation, consistent over a period of time. Every employee has a role to play and it only takes a few simple steps to start the process. |
| Your Role in Creating a
Healthy Workplace Culture
Try the following tips to begin contributing to a healthier workplace culture. |
Become More Engaged in Your Job
Employee engagement is an essential part of a healthy workplace culture. Engagement is reflection of your commitment and satisfaction with your work. It is driven in part by the nature of the job, as well as how mentally stimulating it is. Regardless of the type of work you do, you can become more engaged by actively looking for opportunities to learn, to challenge yourself and to experience a sense of accomplishment in everyday tasks. Start by honing in on your talents and skills related to your role. Create a list of your particular skills and talents. For example, you may have advanced computer skills or a talent for creative problem-solving. If you are having trouble, think about any special accomplishments or any goals that you helped to achieve and how you contributed. Now jot down a list of tasks related to your regular routine at work and check off those that use your strengths and talents. If you find that you haven't checked many, consider ways that you might apply your skills to the tasks on your list. You might also want to speak with your manager about the possibility of taking on more responsibility within your current role. Explore also any opportunities to develop your skills and talents through education, training or volunteering.
Show Your Support Through Teamwork
Communicating effectively and working together as a group creates a more positive work environment. Unfortunately this is often overlooked when working under pressure. This is why respecting your coworkers and acknowledging their contributions is so important. A short but friendly comment such as "good job today" or "thank you for the help" will have a significant impact on how your colleagues feel about doing their jobs. Recognition and praise doesn't have to come from management to be effective. Experts say that recognition and praise from either a coworker or manager on a regular basis are essential building blocks for creating a healthy workplace culture.
Become Part of a Workplace Strategy
Engage your coworkers in positive discussions about your workplace. Start up a conversation at the water cooler, while on break or over lunch. An open discussion is a great way to get your colleagues thinking about workplace health. All employees want to contribute to their organization and feel these contributions are valued. Envision your idea of a healthy workplace culture through brainstorming. Create a list of what makes you feel good about your workplace and ask your coworkers for their input. It is likely that your coworkers will agree with some of the things on your list. This is an effective way to make a contribution as a group as well as to acknowledge your coworkers' efforts. Through discussion and brainstorming you will begin to understand what "ingredients" you'll need to create a healthier workplace culture and how you and your coworkers can work together to make it happen.
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Resources |
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LEARN about ways that you can build skills for resiliency and create a positive work environment with "The Resiliency Response" series of articles:
- www.myfseap.com (from your employee/member assistance program Web site) Note: You will need your assigned Group Name and Password to access the resources)
ASSESS your workgroup with the "How Healthy is My Workplace Culture?" survey:
ASSESS your level of work-life balance and get tips for staying on track with The Work-Life Balance Quiz:
- www.cmha.ca* (from the Canadian Mental Health Association)
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