How to Create a Friendly Workplace Environment

Nobody likes to roll out of bed in the morning in dread of going to work. While you and your employer may not be able to reduce the workload that causes some of that dread, you may be able to reduce the stress that comes from working in an unpleasant environment. Most of us have experienced a workplace that was less than friendly. It's not that difficult to create a friendly workplace environment. It just takes a little creativity and initiative.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Hire upbeat, positive people who are enthusiastic about their work. Nobody can be sunshine and cheer all the time, but employees who believe in the work they are doing and have confidence in their abilities are more likely to bring a positive attitude to the workplace.

2. Treat employees and coworkers like adults. That means trusting them to be accountable for their own time and decisions. While there need to be some parameters in which to work, most people are responsible enough to make sure work is done on time and well.

3. Create a visually friendly and comfortable workplace. Consider replacing harsh fluorescent lights with softer lighting and providing workers with ergonomically correct furniture. Furthermore, allowing employees to enhance their workspaces with touches of home (like pictures or plants) can make the workplace seem more inviting.

4. Implement family-friendly and flexible work hours. Today's busy workers are often trying to juggle careers with family obligations. Provide employees the opportunity to take an hour off here and there to take care of appointments or child care issues or to see a school play. Willingness to be flexible will create a happier, more loyal and more productive workforce.

5. Avoid the temptation to participate in conversations that promote a toxic workplace environment. It's very easy to commiserate with a colleague who is having a bad day or to make disparaging remarks about a difficult client, but in offices, that type of negativity is often contagious.

6. Dismiss or address rumors about workplace changes. People tend to feed off each others' fears about change, and it can easily lead to low morale. Addressing issues directly ensures that everybody has been privy to the same information.

7. Say thank you. Don't hesitate to show your appreciation for a coworker or employee when he's done something well or helped you complete a project. A friendly gesture of gratitude can go a long way.

Tips & Warnings

• Some workplaces try to be friendly be celebrating every birthday, event or holiday. Before baking a cake or passing the hat, make sure the recipient would be comfortable with the gesture. Some people don't like being the center of attention. Likewise, make sure that nobody feels pressured to contribute to gifts, since not everybody can afford to do so.