How to encourage “A” players in your office
- Published on 23 May 2013
- Linda Trim
Office design and layout plays an integral part in how people perform and how productive they are at work. All employers want the most out of their employees and it is important to keep in mind that it isn’t just money that drives people: You need to create a space where people want to come to work, be productive and be the best that they can be. So what, then, is the secret to creating and keeping “A” players in your team?
Happy staff encourage the rest of the team and create a motivating atmosphere. Just as it’s always easier to diet when the whole household is on diet, you want to be happy at work when everyone around you is happy.
8 ways to make your employees “A” players
1. Give people control over their environments. Everyone needs to express themselves in their own way. This is especially true in today’s work environment where very few people have their own offices and open plan desks are all alike. People need to feel they can work how they want to and where they want to. They need to feel comfortable in their work environments so that their creativity isn’t stifled. Encourage your employees to have a space to put a picture of their pet dog or baby, or to put their favourite plant on their desks, as this will enhance their day and make them perform at their best.
2. Have a clean and tidy office. Have a clean-up Friday where people have the afternoon off, can come in their jeans and are forced to tidy up their desks and work environments. It’s always easier to work and be productive in an area where everything is properly placed, filed and where you know how to find things and what you’re busy with.
3. Institute a paperless desk policy. Walking into a spotless office is like walking into the most beautiful creation and people feel good about themselves. Have spaces in offices where your staff can file and put their belongings away.
4. Provide places for people to chat privately. We all have personal needs which need to be taken care of during work hours and don’t want overheard. Alternatively, sometimes we have to deal with a matter with a colleague that we don’t want the whole office to hear. Dedicate a private space in your office where your employees to have these sensitive conversations.
5. Set aside quiet areas where your employees can concentrate. As much as open plan has taken over, we all need some quiet time to concentrate Make sure there is a space in your office where people can easily step away from their desks and work quietly. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a meeting room or meeting area but a zone where people know that they can’t disturb people who’re sitting there. Ensure that your staff members know that they can’t sit there for the whole day and ignore their other duties!
6. Have fun activities at work. Encourage socialising in your company. Research shows people are their most creative when socialising or talking to other people so create a specific corporate culture that draws people in.
7. Make sure your employees aren’t stifled in a stiff dark boardroom. The world is about social media,communicating and collaboration so why should the office be any different? To encourage communication and collaboration in your office, I suggest having collaboration areas around your office to encourage teams to gather and strategise.
8. Provide your staff with detailed training. Encourage your people to go on training to feel they are growing in their fields as this will allow them to feel you are supporting and looking after them. Ultimately, your company will keep ahead of the pack!
