A positive workplace culture is enormously beneficial for both employers and employees alike.

For the employee, a positive environment at work is less likely to result in stress, sick days, and professional conflict. Equally, for employers, fostering a positive workplace culture means that the overall wellbeing of employees is higher — meaning higher retention levels, attracting the best professional talent, and a thriving business in which everyone is committed to growth and results.

But what does having a positive workplace culture mean, and how do you create one? Well, a positive workplace culture usually refers to a place of work in which there is minimal conflict, high levels of professionalism, a good work-life balance, and an opportunity to always be heard and included. It can also include opportunities to develop and improve professionally.

Below, we explore five simple but effective ways that you can create a positive workplace culture in your business.

1. Create And Maintain An Open Dialogue

When researching why employees switch jobs or resign, several studies have found that it was due to feeling ignored, excluded, or ‘not heard’ in the workplace.

A great way to avoid this is to create and foster an atmosphere of open dialogue — meaning employees have regular opportunities to raise concerns, give feedback, and be heard by those in charge.

This can take the form of regular meetings (whether as groups or individuals) to give feedback, or perhaps a more anonymous digital approach could be used, where individuals can raise their worries or concerns without feeling exposed.

A multi-faceted approach is usually best, as is targeting feedback on key areas and issues rather than being too open-ended. Allow your employees to give their feedback and input, then implement changes and the best ideas accordingly.

Remember that an engaged workforce feels valued and significant, and is far more likely to work effectively and remain loyal to a company.

2. Encourage Collaboration

A workplace culture that encourages cooperation, community, and collaboration is far more likely to thrive. Whether for specific tasks or projects, or as a general approach, ensure that there are multiple opportunities for collaboration within the team.

This also extends higher up the chain of command. Be sure to share your goals and targets with your team and encourage suggestions on how best to meet them. Then assign teams or individuals to the ideas that they have suggested. A feeling of ‘personal investment’ in an idea can often help to make it a success.

Collaboration within a workplace culture also encourages good communication and strong interpersonal skills.

3. Maintain Transparency

While it is important to remain professional and lead by a good example, this should not be at the expense of transparency. If there are areas of concern or importance, be sure to share them with your team at opportune moments so that they always feel ‘in the loop’.

Maintaining transparency and sharing information is not only courteous, but it also helps team members to feel valued and included. Their input may also give valuable insights into your business processes.

4. Consult A Professional

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when striving to create a positive workplace culture from scratch. But you don’t have to go it alone! It can be a great investment in your business to consult a professional — such as an employment lawyer or HR expert — to advise early in the process.

That way, you are not only setting up a visible positive workplace culture, but it is reflected in your policies, protocols, and legal documents too.

Consulting a professional can also be a great way to ensure that your company always stays abreast of the current optimal business practices and any recent developments in employment law.

5. Strive For Inclusivity

One of the best ways to create and maintain a positive workplace culture is to keep inclusivity at the heart of everything you do. How can you make others feel valued and included? Who might feel excluded, and how can you address this?

Seek input on these topics and strive to address the concerns raised. This includes areas such as minority groups, or those with disabilities, but should extend to all forms of inclusivity and diversity.

A diverse workforce naturally thrives because of the variety of skills, opinions, and approaches on offer. A diverse range of employees who feel valued and included will organically feel more connected to their jobs and strive to do well — and employers will reap the rewards as a consequence!