Workplace Culture

Creating a positive culture in the workplace 

Employee productivity is the life-blood of any business. Since productivity is influenced by employee output, how an employee feels about their job is important. No other factor influences productivity more than employee attitude.

By reviewing the workplace culture, management can work toward implementing a model that will inspire a more productive, positive environment. If the workplace culture is negative, employees may not feel valued, and it’s likely they will move on to a company that will value their input.

How to create a positive workplace culture

Identify what is causing negative attitudes in the office.

• Do employee’s feel management is practicing favoritism?
• Is it due to lack of recognition?
• Does management have different sets of standards for different employees?

Shift away from control-based thinking. (Assuming the worst about employees and creating strict rules to keep everyone in line.)

Embrace freedom-based thinking. (Give employees the necessary tools to make their own decisions for the customer and the company.)

Provide equal opportunities for all employees.

Implement an open door/open communication policy.

Recognize employee achievements.

McKinley Group recently relocated to a larger office that has sufficient space for growth. The move was made so the company could provide a “work hard, play hard” environment. The old office had plain walls and there wasn’t a break room. With a larger office, management is able to create a positive culture by having a spacious break room, with a TV and a Nintendo Wii. TV’s are hung throughout the office so employee’s can stay updated with news and sports. The walls are more colorful, with several scenic pictures hanging up.

McKinley Group knows cultural differences in candidates and clients can influence a placement. Recruiters get to know their clients and candidates, so they can be certain the placement will be a good fit. Just because a candidate has all the necessary skills needed to perform a job well, doesn’t mean he/ she is the right person for that client.

This advice is simple: happy employees are productive, and therefore increase your revenue. By creating a positive workplace culture, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Kurt Rakos
Partner
McKinley Group