How can you maintain a positive workplace? In any workplace there are numerous personalities.  While you may not want to live with the people you work with, the bottom line is that you may spend more time at work with them then you do with your family at home.  Some coworkers blend well with together well, while others interact like vinegar and water.  I’ve come up with some easy things to keep in mind to create and keep a positive fun atmosphere alive in your workplace while still getting the work done.

1.  Assume that your fellow employees have the same goal of working to make the company more successful.   Before you question why a person is doing something, know that people take different paths to get to similar outcomes.  Give coworkers the benefit of the doubt before questioning their work.

2.  Please and thank you.  This is just common courtesy.

3.  Let a person know when you are wrong.  Admit if you make a mistake, sooner is always better than later.

4.  If you ask for feedback from someone be prepared to hear things you may not like.  Treat constructive responses as just that and do not take them personally.  Make sure to respond to the feedback in a timely manner and let them know how you will follow up.

5.  Remember your co-workers are just that “co-workers”.  Always keep interaction on a professional basis.  You can be friendly but in the end you are all there for business not personal reasons.

6.  Communication is 99% of the game.  Make sure you know how co-workers want to receive messages – e-mail, phone, text, etc.  If you are not sure ask them.

7.  Praise when warranted goes a long way.  If someone did a good job on a project let them know.   Mentioning it in front of coworkers may be appropriate depending on the situation.  If something wasn’t done correctly, don’t chastise a worker in front of co-workers unless explaining what went wrong is necessary and will provide a positive experience for all involved.

8.  Impromptu monthly lunch at the office or bagels or rolls in the morning are always a great way to lift employee morale especially if employees have been extra busy on a project.  Let employees know that you appreciate their efforts at these impromptu events.

9. Team events can be set up for a couple of hours during a work day.  Respect employees’ time and make sure events are planned and scheduled on company time.  You might like spending time with your staff but remember for most it is still a job, so planning and scheduling work functions on off time is a no no. Events can include volunteer for a nonprofit event, having an office clean up day, or sending out care packages to veterans or other nonprofit groups.

Remember employees like feeling appreciated and respected.  It can be the little things that keep employees happy in the workplace

Next up – Handling a Slow Office