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Creating Healthy Workplaces - Top Recommendations
September 01, 2004
For decades, the focus in business has been on productivity . the bottom line . reducing overhead and expenses . marketing, advertising . creating demand, meeting needs ... management of employees. Not much effort and time has been spent on employee involvement, employee growth and development, employee health and safety, and family support: the hallmarks of a healthy workplace. Yes, things have changed, and most business owners and leaders are aware of these needs, but what's truly being done?
What are you doing in your business?
The funny thing is, tending to these areas of your business actually can do more for the "bottom line" and profitability of the business than anything else your business might do.
In February 2005, I will have another article published by Dentistry Today that overviews creating healthy workplaces. In that article, I list 10 recommendations for creating a healthy workplace. It's the purpose of this article - and a few following it - to examine these recommendations.
By the way, if you're not a business owner, that means you work for someone else. You, too, can take these recommendations to your supervisor or employer and discuss with him/her your interest in the business and co-creating a successful business through success with people.
Recommendation #1: Get help!
Although this may seem self-serving, there are a variety of professionals who can help you create a healthy workplace, and not one of them can provide all your needs. Coaches, consultants, psychologists, counselors, human relations specialists, and therapists can all contribute. Work with someone familiar with creating healthy workplace practices, not just someone interested in helping you improve the "bottom line" only.
Recommendation #2: Be honest and listen.
Would you consider your workplace to be healthy? Really? How so? With the help of your staff, employees, management team, and/or co-owners, take a wide-eyed look at your workplace practices in the areas of 1) employee growth and development, 2) employee involvement, 3) employee health and safety, and 4) family support, including child and elder care. Make a list of what you do and get feedback from your employees. Look for areas that you're missing, areas that you're off the mark, or areas you thought were already in place. You'll be amazed where the conversations take you! Your interest in getting feedback and truly listening without judgment will do wonders.
Recommendation #3: Discuss your strengths and weaknesses as their leader with your employees.
This is almost a "ditto" of #3, except that this time the focus is on YOU! Frightening as that may be, your effectiveness as a leader is one of the major determinants of business success. Ask what your peers/co-workers/employees see as your strengths, and what areas you might be more effective. Look at all aspects of your leadership in the business. Opening this dialog will do wonders for improving communications, working together, and creating a harmonious work environment. And yes, it will challenge you!
In the next article, we'll explore three more recommendations for creating healthy workplaces. If you'd like to visit with me about any of them, please contact me.
Previous article: In Search Of . More Time, More Simplicity, More Freedom
Next article: Dr. Deems chosen for national 2004 Best Practices award given by the American Psychological Association
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