How often do you hear your employees say “Thank God it’s Monday!” Probably not that often.
We spend most of our lives at work, so why not make it a place where people look forward to coming in …The last few years have been tough for a lot but it has also made many people refocus on what they want to get out of work, demystifying the idea that everyone has to get a mundane 9-5 job and have a hideous commute, perhaps opened their eyes to other possibilities that pre-COVID may not have been available.
When you provide an environment that encourages, promotes and nurtures a friendly, warm and caring work place, business and life will become more pleasant for everyone, the end result being that productivity, morale and your bottom line will improve.
A great quote I read recently was “Build a life you love rather than a life you need to escape from.”
Why shouldn’t you look forward to starting work on a Monday morning?
Begin by asking your team what they would appreciate (their wishlist) to enhance their work environment. You’ll be surprised how little they really want.
Investment, (not cost!) in a decent coffee machine, unlimited mini chocolate bars/fresh apples, perhaps the opportunity for a lunch time walk break or running group or vouchers/little treats when the company has met budget are the sorts of things I
am talking about…all petty cash items for most organisations.
Try fresh croissants for everyone for Monday morning coffee break every now and then and see how the energy shifts.
If your instinct is “we haven’t budgeted for it” or “the company can’t afford it”…… ask yourself if you budgeted for a 10% decrease in productivity when people call in sick or decide to move on to a company where they do support their people.
We are all social animals who perform best when we feel we belong and are being appreciated and enjoy the people we work with. Everyone wins!
