HEALTHY WORKPLACE: CULTIVATING A POSITIVE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

What is a Workplace Environment?
The work environment is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the nature of tasks, the physical and social condition, the workplace characteristics and organisation, the work schedule, the work prospects for the workers, and the intrinsic rewards associated with the work. (OECD, 2017)



What defines as Work?
Work is defined as work demands, such as physical and emotional demands, working time, prospects and job insecurity, and work resources, such as task discretion, social support, an opportunity for advancement and self-realisation. (OECD, 2017)



Applying "Balance" in Workplace
In life, there will always be something that is either positive or negative. In the same way, work life will have these 2 effects. Everything will depend on how you perceive things or how you respond to situations. Positive thoughts will generate energy, while negative thoughts generate tiredness.



Due to not having a healthy working environment, many people suffer from burnout or health issues. Workplace health is a major concern around the world, with many people are distressed because they cannot achieve achieve-life balance.



Healthy Workplace Environment, Healthy Community
According to a study, work-related health issues are considered to negatively impact economic loss by 4-6% in most countries. A healthy employee increases performance, subsequently; bringing success to the company and personal life. These people are lively, confident, positive, creative and innovative thus; prove to be indispensable to the organization.



However, most employers are concerned about the cost to help create a healthy environment for their workers. A mindset shift is needed to reframe how we think about a certain situation. By choosing to invest in the present, the future can be successful.



So, if you want to establish and make your company or organization a success, the workers need to be taken care of. The employers and the employees need to combine their efforts to create a positive and comfortable working environment to ensure growing success. 





Let’s explore how both employers and employees can cultivate a positive workplace environment.

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Employers
1. Ensure proper lighting
Lighting can be natural lighting through the window or electronic lighting. Lighting not only provides safety but also enhances worker’s performance, mood, energy and attitude. Therefore, employers need to ensure the lighting in the workplace is sufficient.

2. Team building events
Team building events improve employee-employer engagement. This cultivates healthy relationships within the workplace. Apart from that, these events can boost employee morale consequently; increasing their job performance and attitude towards their work.

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3. Express appreciation
Frequent recognition improves satisfaction and morale. As an employer, it’s important that you show gratefulness for your employee’s hard work. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. However, if you would like to show a little bit more appreciation, taking them out for dinner will be a great way to engage. Food can bring people together and create bonds. 

4. Provide support
Create services and practices that help support employees suffering from stress and physical illness. Every work comes with stress and most people experience burnout in different ways. It is important to create these services so; the employees will feel supported in their work journey.


However, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees are aware of these services and how to access them. Regularly monitoring employee’s records to ensure they are accessing these services is vital.



 
5. Invest in ergonomic furniture
Poor posture and body mechanics, while working increases the risk of musculoskeletal disease. Although musculoskeletal diseases are not famous like heart disease and cancer, it still affects the population around the world.



​Office workers and healthcare workers are prone to develop this disease because they don’t practice proper body mechanics, when they sit, stand, bend and carry. On that account, the employer must ensure they have prepared comfortable furniture for their employees.

6. Promote wellness
Health and wellness are important factors for individual growth. It is vital to promote the well-being of employees in the workplace. Employers can offer discounted gym membership, online fitness classes, dancing classes or a discounted spa and massage membership. Aside from that, employers can collaborate with public health professionals hence; they can give talks and seminars on caring for health and well-being.



7. Build a therapeutic break room
Almost every workplace has built a break room for their employees. However, many employers forget that it’s not just a room but it needs to be conducive enough for employees to eat, rest and relax. Some employees prefer to socialise in the break room nonetheless; some people would prefer quietness. Therefore, employers can create quiet places, where these employees can relax and recharge. 



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Employees
1. Communication
Good communication always ascertains a transparent relationship. Although you may communicate well with others, disagreements can happen at any time. Always practice being mindful in your speech and be open-minded, when confronted with arguments. Most clashes happen due to misunderstandings. At times, when you tell someone something, it will not be perceived how you want it to be understood. 

2. Build trust with co-workers
When you work with others, building trust is very important to maintain good teamwork. Teamwork is essential in every workplace. Having good teamwork promotes positivity and joy in the workplace, therefore; cultivating a positive workplace environment.



3. Set goals
Create specific goals, when you are at the workplace to increase productivity. By establishing feasible goals you can manage your time wisely, decrease fatigue, be motivated to carry out duties smartly and prevent working late hours. 

4. Create boundaries
Setting a clear boundary between work life and personal life is crucial to prevent burnout. When you are not working put aside everything that relates to work such as not checking your work emails or work-related text. If you are working with clients, make sure you inform them that you are not available to be contacted after working hours and on your off days.


Apart from that, be mindful when dealing with a boss or colleague who tends to give you their work. Learn to say ‘no’ in these situations to protect your well-being.


 
5. Work-life balance
Having a work-life balance can be difficult but not impossible. Most people tend to bring personal life to work and work-life back home subsequently; affecting their work environment and home environment.



When you are dealing with personal problems make sure you talk to someone about it and only ponder about it when you are not at work. Likewise, when you are at home forget what is at work and spend time with your family and friends. Be present and do things that will make you happy.




6. Nourish your mind and body
Most people tend to eat on the go or don’t have breakfast before leaving for work. This will greatly impact your brain and productivity. Your brain needs food that is properly digested and absorbed to thrive. Practice eating breakfast before you leave to work and make sure that food is chewed slowly before swallowing it.



​Apart from that, nourish your mind and body by regularly snacking. Incorporate healthy breakfast and snack choices as nourishment. 

7. Take part in wellness programmes
Certain people may assume that taking part in wellness programmes offered by the workplace is a waste of time or having to sacrifice weekends. Nevertheless, a mindset change is needed to reframe how you think about wellness programmes. Think of it as part of your self-care practice. Health and wellness programmes may refresh and rejuvenate your mind, soul, spirit, body and heart.












All in All
Cultivating a positive workplace environment is crucial in developing healthy individuals, to promote personal development and work performance. Both employers and employees need to work together to create a happy workplace.



There are many ways you can incorporate to achieve a joyful workplace environment. I have created simple guidelines so; you could enjoy your work time and not feel dreadful going to work.



Share in the comments section if you have practised these tips and how it has impacted your work environment. If you would like to share different strategies, other people reading this article will benefit from diverse knowledge.







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References
1.   Abdulkadir M. S (2023); Exploring Work Environment Management Boundaries using Work Domain Analysis; Journal of Safety
      Science; 157:105922.
2.  Stefan Lagrosen & Yvonne Lagrosen (2020); Workplace Stress and Health – the Connection to quality management; Journal of
     Total Quality Management & Business Exelence; 33:1-2.
3.  Yuan Badrianto & Muhamad Ekhsan (2020); Effect of Work Environment and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance in
     PT.Nesinak Industries; Journal of Business, Management & Accounting; 2(1): 85-91.