Everyone wants to work in a fun environment. In addition to tighter-knit teams with a smaller turnover rate, upbeat offices also tend to be more productive, with happier employees and more positive interactions overall. Below are five ways you can stimulate a winning office culture.
Add some work perks. While you may not be able to bring the whole company to Aruba or hire Kanye West to play a private show after hours, small added employee perks can really heighten office attitude. Try offering complimentary gym memberships or giving out gift certificates for a spa or massage day. Even free snacks in the break room can go a long way – no one can gripe with their mouth full of donuts!
Throw non-work related office events. Getting the group together outside the office for some R&R can go a long way. Depending on your budget, try throwing a company happy hour at a local restaurant, or giving the team tickets to a baseball game.
Promote team-building activities. Put together a volleyball or softball team in the summer. Suggest a company Tough Mudder or race team. Office not athletically inclined? A book club, wine tasting, or monthly board game tournament can also help foster company bonding and grow connections that extend after hours.
Create an innovative office design. While you may not be able to provide walking desks or nap pods like the Google office, you can still design your office to cultivate creativity and a forward-thinking attitude. Banish those cubicles and instead set up creative, collaborative spaces like conference-style work tables and open office floor plans. Add a ping pong table in the break room for some competitive and team-building work breaks, which have been shown to boost performance and improve overall employee attitude.
Practice gratitude. Don't forget to show your team how much you appreciate them. This doesn't mean you need to shower them in dollar bills - while bonuses and dinners can be great, simply checking in regularly with each employee can be extremely helpful, not to mention budget friendly. Meet with each member twice a year to ask about their level of happiness in their position. Are they satisfied with their workflow? Stressed? Over or underwhelmed? Show your team you care about their work experience and you can bet they will care more about the overall success of the company.
Zoe Eisenberg is RISMedia’s Associate Editor. When not searching the web for info on small-space living, Zoe can be found writing fiction and screenplays, cooking and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
