It is essential to have a positive work environment to stay motivated and also have fun. But how can you ensure that everyone at work is thriving, including yourself? We have the answer.
After two years of pandemic, most people have returned to the office. Having gotten used to working in a peaceful home environment, you now have to sit in an open workplace where people talk across desks. But what is now expected of you as a colleague? And what can you do to contribute to a better working environment?
We gathered three experts in HR and recruitment at Academic Work, Matilda Lindqvist, Johanna Noreila, and Sofia Norberg, for a discussion on how you, as a colleague, can improve your work environment. Here are their best suggestions for dos and don'ts.
Dos
1. Get to know your colleagues
Sofia's most important advice for creating a positive work atmosphere is to be open, get to know your colleagues, and let them get to know you.
If you can work and hang out with your colleagues at the same time, the job becomes much more enjoyable. It also creates better communication and understanding of each other's similarities and differences in relation to work.
2. Ask for feedback
According to Sofia, you will create a culture of feedback at work if you start asking your colleagues for comments. This makes it easier for you to know where you need to develop and what you are doing well – without any misunderstandings. Clarity provides security.
“It's important to listen to other people's opinions and try to adapt to the best of your ability or what you feel comfortable with – happier colleagues generally lead to a better working environment,” says Matilda.
3. Share energy in your own way
There are many ways to energize your colleagues.
You don't have to be the most extroverted person; you can find your own way. It's very important that everyone is clear about this from the start with new and old colleagues, says Sofia.
Johanna agrees and gives an example of her colleague who shares energy by staying calm and understanding.
If you feel pressured to be social, Matilda suggests talking to your colleagues. Don't be afraid to tell them if you're introverted or just don't feel like talking – both so you can get the peace and quiet you need and so your colleagues don't think there's something wrong.
Don'ts
1. Don't think about what everyone else is doing
Don't just reflect on what your colleagues are doing that bothers you; reflect on how your behavior affects others.
According to Johanne, a good question to ask yourself is: What am I bringing into the room when I walk in? A smile and a hello go a long way.
2. Don't hold back – share your opinions
Is there something that bothers you? Don't think you're being “annoying” if you say something. Matilda believes that you should speak up so that the company or your colleagues can do things differently or improve based on your perceptions or opinions.
“It's also important to express your ideas and needs to someone who can help you. If you have a good idea for improving the workplace, don't be afraid to share it with the person who can do something about it,” says Johanna.
If you don't feel comfortable talking about a problem, Matilda has some advice for you:
“Make the problem seem insignificant, as if it's no big deal to speak up. Remind yourself that you are sharing your own personal experience of a situation.
3. Don't play music without asking first
All three experts agree that music is a must in the office, and they all prefer low ”background music" while they work. However, they also think it can be nice to play some uplifting music, especially in the afternoon when fatigue sets in. However, it is very important to ask your colleagues first if they also want to hear that type of music.
“If someone doesn't want to listen to your loud, upbeat music, you can always plug in your AirPods and vibe for yourself,” says Sofia.
Open dialogue in the office – do or don't?
Sofia believes that you will learn more and create a learning environment if you have an open dialogue in the office and tap each other on the shoulder whenever you have a question. Mathilda agrees and believes that it is essential to talk about both private and work-related matters.
However, she also thinks it is important to show respect and listen when someone says they don't have time.
“If you have a question or want to talk to a colleague, it's a good idea to estimate how long it will take—maybe 20 minutes over a cup of coffee, or is it just a quick question? This allows the person to better manage their time,” says Matilda.
Johanna believes there should be some guidelines. You shouldn't leave the room to avoid being interrupted. Her advice is to have a sign in your workspace indicating whether you are available to chat.
“Now that everyone is back at work after working from home, they need to feel welcome rather than overwhelmed by noise and requests. But it's also important to have the sense of community that you can't get at home,” explains Johanna.
The organization naturally has the greatest responsibility for creating the foundation for a good working environment. But it is also your own responsibility as an employee. Workplace culture is shaped every day by the actions and inaction of colleagues.
We hope you have gained some tips on how to improve your working environment.