It’s Victoria your spiritual leader, here to bring you the not so secret ideas on how to create a positive workplace environment. Before you read on, please make sure you have read my previous blog 10 Signs You Have a Toxic Workplace Culture to help make sense of these ideas.
A positive workplace culture is created by the level of employee satisfaction. If an employee is happy at work, you will see the following results:
· They are more willing to help out and go above and beyond.
· Their creativity and innovation is boosted and are more willing to actively participate in adding input and support to the team and the business goals.
· There is enthusiasm in the tasks that they perform.
· Increased productivity.
· They are unlikely to quit as they feel connected and have built loyalty to the business.
· The positivity vibe will radiate throughout the workplace. Customers will have a better interaction with your team and will continue to return due to a positive experience at your pharmacy.
I know what I mentioned sounds too good to be true, but it is achievable as I have felt all of this in Peak’s existing workplace culture. Have I mentioned I have been here for 8.5 years?! So how do you create this wonderful workplace environment and retain employee satisfaction? Well, here are some ideas you can implement within your pharmacy:
During the hiring process, ensure the employee aligns to your store’s values. This will help you decide if they will fit within the workplace culture you want to create, and the similar values will help the employee feel connected to the business they represent.
· Don’t be afraid to let go of any ineffective team members. The same goes to team members creating the toxic work culture. Ensure it is clearly stated to your team that your pharmacy is a safe work environment and any disrespect, bullying and negative behaviours will not be tolerated within your workplace. Ensure you call out on these behaviours and resolve any conflicts immediately, so they do not develop into something bigger.
· Give your employee the freedom to take ownership of their role. Do not micro-manage what they do and give them the ability to lead, take responsibility and collaborate with others. The team cannot grow if you don’t give them the opportunity to try and it means the workload can be spread amongst more team members and is not reliant on one person.
· We are all human and mistakes are made. Don’t point out the mistake and get grumpy about it as this isn’t constructive. Take this time as a learning opportunity and explain what happened and discuss a plan that can be done together to avoid making the mistake again. This will also help improve your systems and procedures.
· Ensure you have effective communications within your team. Mentor, check-in and support your employee and their role and acknowledge their concerns and ideas as they will feel valued and respected. Where there are opportunities for career development, be transparent with your employee.
· Review your management team and the leadership skills they are presenting towards your team. Your workplace culture thrives off how your management team leads and how their actions are presented to the workplace. They are the examples of how they allow their other team members behave.
· Don’t underpay your employees or delay when they get paid. Ensure they are compensated appropriately as well as being clear with your expectations and KPI’s of their role.
· Have some team bonding events to help increase engagement within the team and building trust with others to make them feel more connected to one another.
· Work-life balance. Ensure boundaries are clearly set and do not push work matters down to employees outside of work hours.
· Post COVID-19, mental health should be a part of your employee care plan. Be flexible and empathetic towards their situation as it’s a two-way street. If your employee feels supported by their employer, they will return the favour to support you and your business.
· Encourage your team to take their breaks as working for extended periods of time will put strain on their health (physically and mentally). Change their environment and encourage them to go for a walk and get some fresh air will help them to relieve stress and help to reset and allow better focus and performance.
· Celebrate your wins together. Acknowledge and provide gratitude and recognition to employees on their achievements and milestones. Your team wants to feel appreciated.
I feel like I can go on for days talking about workplace culture but alas it must end here. I hope this has given you some ideas or refinements to your current workplace culture. If you would like to discuss how I can help your pharmacy build a positive workplace environment, please get in touch.