A good environment at the workplace produces positive benefits, specifically with regard to engagement, relationships and health
Most of us spend nearly a third of our life at work and so the quality of our life is greatly connected to our experiences there. That is why it is very important to have a wonderful workplace that can enrich our lives, provide a sense of purpose, accomplishment and a source for friendships and social connections. But, very few of us are lucky to get such an environment at our offices, as there is so much of competition around. Offices are becoming a crazy place to be in, as a result of which we spend more time working under highly stressful environment which is taking a negative toll on our overall well-being.
Research over past few years shows that positive environments at workplace produce positive benefits specifically to engagement, relationships and health. Conversely, one of the biggest downfalls to a negative or fear-based environment is higher health care costs due to workplace stress and lower engagement.
According to a popular analytics company, disengaged workers had 37 per cent higher absenteeism, 49 per cent more accidents and 60 per cent more errors and defects. All these figures call for a higher need to create a positive and employee-friendly environment at offices, because a positive workplace leads to increased productivity, better employee morale and ability to keep skilled workers.
However, before introducing any changes at work place, one needs to do a reality check first. To start with, let us see what a typical office day is like. As soon as the day begins, ask someone a customary ‘how are you ij’ The usual reply is ‘life’s just going on’ as if they are just dragging through it. Many old timers who are always late, order tea as soon as they arrive in the office. The newness of the day is no kick start to them as they are always in their own self-created world . As tea is served, they discuss the events of the day before and blame those who are not present. While criticising things that they have little control on— the sad ways of the world, the corruption at all levels and the wrongs done by other people— they circulate so much of waste and negative energy that the atmosphere in office become vitiated and any zeal and goodwill to make a difference dissipates.
Many employees soon develop a distaste for such colleagues for “not doing their job properly.” Amidst this whole negativity, some honest employees with creative energy put in a great effort but are often disappointed for yet being reprimanded or not being recognised through gestures or perks.
On the other hand over ambitious and over smart employees who are always on their toes, sneak into political discussions, play games of jealousy, hatred and animosity to win over in the race, making the air around stink with insecurity. As a result, while some employees return home tired from the sheer monotony of life, or are stressed out for never getting their due, others are drained out while climbing up the ladder by hook or crook.
At home too, another set of tasks awaits them as the family looks to receiving love and time from them. These poor office-goers are unable to satisfy them or finish pending works for they always have the longest day. After all these struggles packed in one single day, all that they need is a break. So, they log on to the internet, or switch on the television and take in high speed negative, wasteful information that unconsciously keeps their battery perpetually discharged. And then another day begins and this vicious cycle goes on.
It is not very often that a place that is buzzing with action should have a positive and zealous environment rather then negative or polluting environment. The reason for this is because very few of us today are driven by simply the joy of working. Not many of us have experienced the pure feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment which springs from doing a task well on time and with honest intention. The feeling is priceless and keeps our minds charged and free from malice. It requires no external input, not even anyone’s recognition.
To stay away from the negativity bug, one has to live an awakened life. A life where one consciously creates happiness and pledges to secure it even when situations and people turn adverse. At our work place, which ought to be a place of creativity and healthy social exchange, one must practise tolerance and forgiveness and turn over a new leaf. Remember, work places have the potential of becoming an extended family if relations are nurtured with respect and the dignity of a human being is not compromised irrespective of his performance at work. We must realise that values and human touch are the core of our being and unless our work culture is inclusive of them, our lives may get dried out over time.