In a competitive job market, building a positive workplace culture is more important than ever, as organisations of all sizes look to maintain employee retention, foster trust and respect, and build a happy and productive team.
Building the right environment takes time and care. There’s no one answer, but there are some useful steps that organisations can take to help their staff become more productive and content.
In this article, we’ll show some of the ways companies can improve employee morale and ensure staff look forward to a day in the office.
We’ll outline eight key ways to develop a stronger workplace culture — and how we changed our own workplace for the better.
Why build a thriving workplace culture?
A positive workplace culture is beneficial to both employers and staff. Better morale can boost employee engagement, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity, according to numerous international studies.
Employees will feel more valued and appreciated, and happier staff will be more loyal and committed in the long run. Studies have also shown that a positive organisational culture can lead to higher profits, as employees are more likely to be productive and motivated when they feel valued and appreciated.
How to create a more positive work environment
As more people adopt hybrid working, building a workplace culture and encouraging true teamwork can be difficult. But it’s not impossible. Creating a positive work environment starts with openness and transparency.
Staff should be encouraged to engage and speak up, and managers should be approachable and supportive. A supportive, approachable manager can create a positive work environment and foster collaboration.
According to workplace wellbeing experts Human Software, when we feel good about ourselves in the workplace, we’re inclined to share, care, and strive more.
“Coming to grips with why and how we operate can have substantial impacts on our work life, our personal life, and all the human interactions that happen in between,” says Human Software’s Amanda Maoate.
“When you consider the roles of leaders and team members, that’s a myriad web of complex human relationships. All these relationships influence the culture of an organisation and the sense of value that we experience in the workplace or in our personal lives,” Maoate points out.
Emotional wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and better human interactions can all lead to a better business.
What your employees need
Work-life balance
Supporting a healthy work-life balance can help employees avoid burnout and keep them energised in their personal and professional lives.
Clear communication
Open communication between staff and management can reduce stress and improve understanding and cooperation.
Opportunities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth can help employees feel more fulfilled and motivated in their work.
A sense of purpose
Boost employee empowerment and provide staff with a real sense of purpose. Help them become more fulfilled and motivated.
Social support
A work environment that provides a sense of community and social support can help employees feel connected and engaged.
Access to resources
Provide access to resources such as mental health and wellness programmes and professional development opportunities to improve employees’ wellbeing.
Flexibility
Flexible work arrangements, such as working from home and flexible hours, can help employees balance their personal and professional lives.
Comfort
A comfortable work environment reduces stress and promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Customisable, ergonomic seating and furniture, good lighting, and different workspaces can help your employees thrive.
Getting stuck into team building activities at our annual NZ conference, December 2022.
Buro’s workplace culture journey
At Buro, we practice what we preach. We worked with Amanda, an executive coach and registered psychotherapist at Human Software, to guide us on how to improve our workplace wellbeing.
We contemplated the question, ‘what do you need from your work environment to improve your wellbeing?’
Answers differed across our business, and even the smallest touches made a big difference. Carla, our marketing manager, decided that a standing desk would support her working environment. Since then, she’s been using one, and absolutely loves it!
How we built a better culture
After working with Amanda, we launched several social activities to boost our workplace culture and bring us closer together as a team.
Our staff create our social events, and in February, we did a beach cleanup together with Sustainable Coastlines (check out our Insta for details). As sustainability (see previous blog) is a big part of our journey, these kinds of events also bring us closer to our culture and sense of purpose.
In April, our social activity group organised a ‘sip and paint’ event, with two hours of painting tuition. Canvases, paint, food, and beverages were all provided, creating a memorable evening and great team bonding.
We also operate a staff wellness programme. Plus, we offer part-time hours and working-from-home options wherever we can to keep our people as happy as possible.
Buro giving back to the community by taking part in the Sustainable Coastlines beach clean up at Takapuna beach.
A ‘sip and paint’ event, with two hours of painting tuition with food, and drinks creates a memorable evening and great team bonding.
Comfort is key
Comfortable office furniture is a big part of making your staff feel content and at home. Fortunately, we’re experts in powering the workplace with ergonomics. Here are some of our top picks:
Buro Mentor:
Leaving levers in the past, the Buro Mentor features Dynamic Intelligence™ technology. The mechanism intuitively responds to your weight and organic movement, supporting optimal posture and active sitting.
The Mentor is the perfect office chair for home offices or shared spaces, adjusting to a person’s unique needs. With a sleek mesh back and a natural curve, the Buro Mentor looks as good as it feels.
Now you’ve learnt the key to building a better workplace culture and picking the right office furniture, it’s time to take the next step and make your office more comfortable.
Head to Buro’s product page to find office inspiration and boost your workplace wellbeing today.
