How to Create an Open Environment at Work for Associates
An office environment with open communication will help employees become more productive. Employees won't focus on unnecessary stress caused by poor communication, and they'll have the information that is vital to their jobs. By helping employees feel more comfortable, open communication may also lead employees to stay with the organization longer. Necessary strategies may take more effort at first, particularly if the organizational culture is more closed, but they'll grow easier over time.
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Instructions
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Remember that creating an open environment doesn't mean creating open spaces. Use Feng Shui strategies to help employees feel comfortable, like having employees face toward rather than away from doorways, as Vincent Smith and Barbara Lyons Stewart say in "Feng Shui: A Practical Guide for Architects and Designers." Give employees quiet, separate areas where they can focus on their work, preferably with an attractive design instead of rows of identical cubicles, which can diminish morale. Have separate offices if possible, or use partitions around different departments to create a sense of privacy.
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Communicate employees' strengths to them, and show your appreciation. Tell employees the significance of their contribution -- how it benefits your organization, and how it may benefit society, if applicable. Recognize their accomplishments publicly with announcements and with an employee of the month program. Consider taking employees to lunch on a regular basis to get to know them better.
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Ask employees for their feedback. Make use of their talents and insights by having an open-door policy that welcomes sharing of ideas. Encourage employees to share their concerns with one another or with you before a problem escalates. In turn, tactfully speak with employees about how they could better serve the company.
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Hold department meetings regularly, clarifying expectations for each department and employee. Encourage questions and sharing of opinions in a tactful way. Remind employees that they are a team and tell them what they have accomplished together to give them positive reinforcement for collaborating well.
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Create inviting shared spaces with comfortable furniture and designs. Instead of plain white walls, paint rooms a pale blue or green and add some artwork and plants. Let employees use conference rooms for collaborations and offer a comfortable space where employees can take breaks.
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Have an outside consultant assess whether the company's practices create equal opportunities for all employees. Strive to help all employees succeed by examining whether the company gives promotions fairly and by considering ways to help all employees have the opportunity to advance. This consideration will help employees feel a respected part of the team.
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