Cultivating a working environment where employees feel good is often a desire for business leaders who love their employees. Bonus, far from the image of austere and impersonal offices, the working atmosphere plays a role in the motivation, performance and loyalty of employees. So, creating a “house” atmosphere, a warm and friendly space, can represent a good practice to retain and stimulate your talents. But how to establish this atmosphere? Here are some keys to transforming your business into a place where it is good to work.
1/ Favor a benevolent corporate culture
The first step to create a “house” atmosphere is to build a corporate culture focused on benevolence, inclusiveness and mutual respect. Employees must feel that they are part of a community and not a simple hierarchical environment. This involves more human management, where managers and managers take the time to know their teams, listen to them and value their efforts.
The establishment of strong and shared values, such as transparency, solidarity and confidence, also contributes to creating a climate where employees feel safe and valued. A positive corporate culture is the basis of a pleasant working atmosphere, because it instills a feeling of “family” where everyone finds their place.
2/ Develop friendly and warm spaces
The physical environment plays a major role in creating a pleasant atmosphere. The locals must be developed to promote interactions, collaboration, but also relaxation. Think of open spaces where teams can exchange easily, while offering areas of calm to promote concentration.
The decoration must be neat and welcoming: soft colors, plants, light spaces, even comfortable design elements, such as sofas or armchairs. These small details bring a touch of “house” and help to create a warm atmosphere. Also plan to integrate leisure or relaxation spaces: a comfortable break room, a kitchen where employees can meet for coffee, or even a corner to practice activities such as yoga or meditation. These moments of relaxation are essential to establish a relaxed climate and strengthen links between colleagues.
3/ Promote flexibility and autonomy
One of the characteristics of “house” atmospheres lies in flexibility and autonomy granted to employees. In a company where we promote confidence and autonomy, employees feel respected and invested with responsibilities. They have the possibility of working according to their schedules, developing their workspace or choosing their collaboration methods.
Teleworking, when organized, can also be part of this approach. Offering your teams the possibility of working from home a few days a week can strengthen the feeling of freedom and confidence. It is therefore important to properly define a flexible frame that adapts to everyone’s needs, while maintaining a strong team culture.
4/ Encourage moments of conviviality and cohesion
Moments of conviviality are essential to strengthen the links between team members. Create regular rally opportunities, such as team lunches, afterworks or informal events. These moments allow not only to strengthen cohesion, but also to create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Also remember to organize activities outside the professional framework, such as team-buildings, outings or friendly competitions. These events strengthen collective dynamics and allow everyone to get to know each other better in an informal context.
5/ Value recognition and personal development
In a “house” atmosphere, each employee must feel recognized and appreciated. Recognition of efforts and results is essential. This involves regular thanks, public congratulations or even performance bonuses. A simple “thank you” can have a significant impact on the motivation and well-being of an employee.
Personal development is also at the heart of the atmosphere you want to establish. Providing professional development opportunities, training, career developments or stimulating missions helps strengthen the commitment of your employees. When they see that the company is investing in them, not only in their work but also in their personal progress, their loyalty to the company is strengthening.
6/ Promote communication and transparency
Communication is the cement that unites the teams and which creates a healthy working atmosphere. In a company where communication is open and transparent, employees are better informed and feel listened to. Organize regular meetings to discuss the strategic orientation of the company, the evolution of projects and the concerns of employees. By being transparent on the objectives and challenges of the company, you strengthen the bond of trust with your teams.
Also encourage informal exchanges: spontaneous discussions between colleagues around coffee or during lunch can often lead to creative ideas and strengthen human relations within the company.
7/ Promote the balance between professional and personal life
A “house” atmosphere should not only be based on conviviality at work, but also on respect for the balance between the professional and personal life of employees. Companies that offer conditions to reconcile both, for example by offering flexible schedules, additional leave or childcare solutions, often see their more fulfilled and loyal teams. Taking this balance into account contributes to a better quality of life at work and, therefore, to greater motivation and better productivity.
8/ Establish human leadership practices
The leaders play a key role in creating a “house” atmosphere. Management too authoritarian or disconnected from the concerns of employees can affect conviviality and motivation. Conversely, human, empathetic and available leadership nourishes the confidence and commitment of employees.
A good leader knows how to listen to his teams, understands their needs and supports them in their professional and personal projects. He must embody the values he wishes to see reflected within the company and give the example to the daily life.
