Employment plays a major role in defining our personal identity. It also connects us to people and gives us a role in the community. Being in the right employment and workplace is usually associated with improved self-esteem, hopefulness and overall better quality of life (Martin & McKee, 2015).
However, work culture is many times seen as aggressive and competitive. In situations where one may frequently experience criticism, lack of collaboration, and miscommunication, kindness is put aside (Agarwal, 2018). However, a positive culture at the workplace, makes the work better. It improves teamwork, raises employee morale, promotes productivity and efficiency, whilst also helping workers stay in the job. Most importantly, a positive workplace environment reduces stress in all employees.
In fact, research conducted by Okoe et al. (2016) presents results which show that employees who find themselves in an enabling working environment tend to perform better in their job and give their best. They also note that team culture impacts performance probably because the team members feel that they have a sense of participation. In addition, employees who get to know each other feel empowered to seek knowledge from their colleagues, which in turn helps them to deal with situations at work. However, friendship at work might not lead to performance unless it is backed by the willingness to share one’s professional and personal experiences (Okoe et al., 2016).
Therefore, the workplace provides an environment where one can work to the best of their potential and creative skills when the employee is surrounded by an encouraging environment that values the every individual in the team. Employees who love their organization will spread the kindness and will also be instrumental in attracting people to the organization.
References:
Agarwal P. (2018). How To Create a Positive Workplace Culture, Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/pragyaagarwaleurope/2018/08/29/how-to-create-a-positive-work-place-culture/#576f48664272
Martin N. & McKee K. (2015). Career Services Guide: Supporting People Affected by Mental Health Issues, CERIC, Canada
Okoe A, Boateng H. & Mensah T. (2016). The effects of Job Satisfaction, Employee Commitment, Workplace Friendship and Team Culture on Service Recovery Performance, Growing Science Ltd., Canada
Ann Julene Hili is a Career Guidance Practitioner with Willingness. She specializes in working with teens and young adults who are in their educational and career transitions. She can be contacted on annjulene@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.