Benefits
Just about every area of business benefits from a positive workplace culture. Here are a few examples.
Enhanced health
Workplaces that are negative or full of stress often breed poor health conditions, ranging from physical pain to mental and emotional stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association recently calculated that the U.S. economy loses more than $500 billion every year due to workplace stress. Positive culture in a workplace can reduce the amounts of stress and, in turn, the instances of health problems.
Better employee engagement
When employees are happy in a positive workplace, they work harder, are more focused, and are more engaged in the work they need to do. When employees are unhappy, stressed, or exposed to a negative workplace environment, they tend to disengage, which negatively impacts productivity and the bottom line. Employees who are more engaged in their work also work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes.
Greater loyalty
When a positive workplace culture is fostered, employees are happier, more committed to their employer, and more loyal. Reduced turnover in the workplace is good for everyone, not the least of which the business, which doesn't have to endure the time and expense of hiring and training new workers.
Fewer absences
Remember the first benefit we discussed, better health? Healthier employees are less likely to be absent from work, which can cost employers a significant amount of money in terms of productivity lost.
A healthy and positive workplace breeds workers who give their all, and are committed to getting the job done, no matter what. Additionally, since there are less negative workplace influences (like stress) in this type of culture, individual and overall business performance improves.
Increased innovation and creativity
A positive workplace is one where creativity is allowed to flourish. Employees in this environment aren't distracted by problems or negativity. Instead, they can focus on innovating, problem-solving, and creating unique solutions that will appeal to customers and set a business apart from its competitors.
Stronger brand relations
If you think people in your community don't hear about what it's like to work at your organization, then you are mistaken. Negative workplaces are viewed critically by friends and family, while positive workplaces enjoy strong brand perception. In fact, the better your company looks, the more people you'll have clamoring to work there, and you can stock your staff with superstar employees.
Tip-top teamwork
When things in the workplace are positive, things between employees are generally more positive as well. This makes collaboration and teamwork second nature. Employees are excited to work together in innovating, planning, and making decisions because there's an understanding that when the team succeeds, the individuals and the business succeed as well.
Lesson Summary
Let's review. Positive workplace culture is an uplifting atmosphere influenced by ''the values, beliefs, underlying assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors shared by a group of people,'' according to The Balance, an online source of experts for business and finance. Working in a positive environment presents many benefits to both employees and the company. It starts with better health, thanks to an absence of stress and other negative factors. Better health also leads to less employee absenteeism, which can have a negative impact on productivity and the bottom line. Employees in a positive culture are also more engaged in their work, value teamwork with their colleagues, and are more loyal to their company. Companies enjoy more innovative, productive workers, which leads to better business outcomes. Externally, word of a positive workplace culture can endear a company to the public, while reports of a bad culture can cast a business in a bad light.
