4 Ways To Change Your Workplace Culture

Every workplace environment has a culture, a way of doing and thinking, that influences how that workplace functions and how the staff work as a team. Some workplaces are positive and motivating, and sadly, others are negative and discouraging. I’ve experienced both kinds. I have worked with people who encourage and inspire me, and I have also worked in places where I’ve had to regularly try and rediscover happiness at work.

I recently spoke to a large group of teachers about ‘How To Be An All Star Teacher’ and was hosted by Jeff Ward, the principal at Sanctuary Point Public School. He is an experienced and passionate leader and he knows what it takes to build positive workplace cultures. This article was inspired by a conversation I had with him about leadership and staff culture.

So, here are four ways to change your workplace culture:

1. Expect the best

Our expectations have an uncanny way of becoming our experiences. When we look for the good things, we tend to find them. You can be a change agent in your workplace by choosing to look for the positive things. Expect to find good things in your team and amongst the staff. When you expect the best, it’s amazing how the best soon appears right in front of you.

2. Be positive

To change the culture in your workplace, be a person who speaks positive words and has a positive attitude followed up with positive actions. Your words create your world and they also influence the people around you.

3. Help others

One of the quickest ways to influence the culture of your workplace is to be a person who helps others. Be a team member who is generous with their time, willing to offer assistance, and knows how to work collaboratively. Look for ways to support and encourage other staff members, and do it willingly.

4. Have fun together

Healthy workplace culture is developed when team members don’t just work together, but they play together. Having shared experiences that are fun and enjoyable allow team members (even those negative co-workers) to develop positive and quality relationships which all contribute to a happy work environment.

This week’s assignment:

Take responsibility for your contribution to a positive workplace environment. What’s one thing you can do this week to make your workplace even more enjoyable?

Enjoy the journey,

And more importantly,

Enjoy the moments.

🙂

Megan