Creating
a
Positive Work Environment
By Michelle Bernardo

What is a positive work environment?
• Relationships: positive, open and trust.
• Communication: regular feedback on
performance.
• Recognition: celebrate progress and recognize success.
• Cooperation: information and resource sharing.
• Inclusion: involvement in management decision making
giving employees the opportunity to share their ideas.
• Intrinsic needs fulfilled: challenging work and
continuous learning.
• Free from discrimination and
Harassment.

Possible Risks:
• Interpersonal conflict/bullying
• Support (encouragement & recognition)
– Lack of reward/recognition (coworker & supervisor)
• Low job control (worker input into work) and
high work demands (e.g.workload, work pattern)
• Poor work/life balance,
– Poor stress management (work & home),
– Poor self-care (physical & psychological)
• Change (communication and preparation)

Where to start:
• Determine what risks are present
• Identify highest risk areas
• Measure employee’s outcomes
• Link them to corporate objectives
• Develop leaders’ knowledge and skills
• Plan actions
• Implement
• Review and evaluate

What can leaders do more of?
• Listen to employees’ opinions
• Communicate clear expectations
• Give recognition and praise
• Provide learning and development
opportunities
• Help find solutions to problems
• Defend direct reports