When searching for a job you might find yourself focused on salary and benefits. Although these are certainly important aspects of any career, your work environment is equally important. A positive and creative work environment makes employees happy, motivated, and willing to stick around for the long haul. A healthy environment also contributes to productive and successful employees, so the next time you are negotiating with a potential employer, you might want to consider negotiating for an enhanced office environment. Here are a few things to look for in a work environment.
Good Communication
No matter what department you are in, good communication is essential for fostering a positive work environment. You want to ensure that managers communicate well with employees and employees communicate well with each other. A work environment with strong communication is evident when everyone knows each other’s names, employees and managers are friendly and approachable, and there is a sense of welcoming when someone new joins the team. Good communication leads to happier employees and more productivity.
Team Morale
You can get a great feel for a company by observing the interactions of the employees. When employees are smiling, friendly, helpful, and collaborating with others, you get a sense that there is strong morale within the team. A workplace that emphasizes team building and provides rewards and recognition for employees will welcome creative and diverse opinions. Employees will work well together and the environment will be a more fun place to work.
Physical Work Space
The physical environment of a workplace can greatly impact the performance and morale of the employees. An attractive space will create more energy and enthusiasm which in turn will enhance productivity and success. Natural light can significantly impact your mood so windows are important in a workspace. A work environment that is clean and functional will also contribute to better productivity. Finally, an open environment will foster communication and collaboration among employees.
You will spend roughly 40 hours each week at work so it’s important to work in an environment that is personable, welcoming, positive, and attractive. Your working environment can greatly impact your happiness and can enhance your ability to be successful. Working in a place you enjoy can be worth just as much as any paycheck so it’s worth negotiating an enhanced work environment at your next job.
