How A Positive Office Environment Can Increase Work Satisfaction
According to a 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey, millennials find work to be more fulfilling and advantageous when given the opportunity for a positive, work/life balance, within a collaborative and flexible environment.
When there’s an emphasis on “lifelong learning,” where employees can grow as a team and achieve both personal and professional goals, it increases (and sustains) the motivation and competitive fire to improve, take risks, and keep matching their accomplishments.
Here are 3 ways that an encouraging, stimulating work environment, one that focuses on indulging curiosity, teamwork, and goal-oriented behavior, can enhance overall wellbeing and performance in the workplace.
It Promotes The Power Of Relationships
Millennials are all about relationships—ones that are built on trust, communication, collaboration, and commonalities. When a boss or co-worker acts condescending or too authoritative, it can come across as de-incentivizing and crass. And, when a millennial feels lost or neglected within the workplace, it can definitely create a “shut off” signal, where he or she may start to withdraw from the position, feeling undervalued and lacking in purpose.
Instead, co-workers should work on growing as a team and learning from one another. Everyone offers something unique and special—that’s why they were hired in the first place—so honing in on those given talents and extending those skills will better both individual and group performance. And if you’re in a superior position, provide real-time, consistent, and encouraging feedback to employees, expressing how you’re there to help them develop and be better utilized within the company.
It Acts As A Creative Hub For Thinkers
When in a negative work environment, millennials might feel stifled, as though they’re unable to candidly express their thoughts and desires. What’s more, when there’s an unwillingness to open up, it can interfere with creativity and innovation—a huge problem for any business, as it’s critical to remain on top of the current trends and create instant, effective change.
When employees feel comfortable within their office culture, they’re able to step think outside the box, fuel one another’s minds, and leverage off of groundbreaking principles. Being experimental and adventurous in today’s age is the best way to master success and growth, encouraging employees to engage in lifelong learning.
It Boasts Authenticity
Millennials are all about being authentic—they can spot a “faker” from a mile away and often want no part of it. This idea relates back to the importance of business relationships. Unless there’s a good vibe during interactions, millennials will be less likely to effectively cooperate on projects or enable trust in others’ ideas.
Along similar lines, millennials prioritize owning their own self-worth and purpose—finding a career path in which they can be themselves, feel valued and challenged, and reap the monetary and social benefits, deserved.
Many people are starting companies on their own—leading life as an entrepreneur, a career path that completely embodies the concept of lifelong learning and change. Why? Because it’s a way to live life in a way that fits their personality and promotes flexibility and positive relationships (ones that they can choose).
Of course, entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but the same core values apply in all careers across the millennial crowd. And, when the positive results are evident, there’s no reason to not get on board.
