Creating A Positive Work Environment Professional Staff Fall

Creating A Positive Work Environment Professional Staff Fall Training 2014 Keener Scott, Associate Director for Staff Development & Student Conduct

Session Learning Objectives • Participants will discuss how to develop a creative and productive work atmosphere • Participants will discuss the role of motivation and appreciation play in developing good employees • Participants will discuss ways to motivate staff to do good work • Participants will discuss how to sustain a productive work environment • Participants will discuss how to appreciate good work

What Is A Positive Work Environment? • The supervisor demonstrates interest in the employees. • The supervisor has an encouraging attitude. • Staff like working there. • There is evidence of organizational pride and loyalty. • Staff know where they stand with their supervisors.

Creating a positive work environment is based on four key skills. • • Tell people what you expect of them. Show interest in your team members. Create an encouraging environment. Recognize and reward good performance.

State Your Expectations • • • Communicating expectations clearly Having a specific job description Identifying specific performance standards Specifying deadlines Setting goals

Show Interest in Your Team What behaviors convey that someone is interested in you? • • • Making eye contact Calling you by name Asking your opinion Smiling Complimenting your work Taking your suggestions These behaviors convey a lack of interest: • Ignoring you • Not knowing your name or not using it • Not asking your opinion • Ignoring your suggestions • Not commenting on your work • Following your suggestion, but only when heard from someone else

Create an Encouraging Environment • Your ideas are valued. • Creativity is encouraged. • Risks are encouraged. • Fun and laughter are valued. • New ideas are rewarded. • You feel appreciated. • People thank you for your contributions. • Flexibility is valued. • You feel like part of the team.

Create an Encouraging Environment Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to staff • • • Contribute more ideas. Feel more committed. Look forward to coming to work. Are more productive. Have increased self-esteem. Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to supervisors • • Less turnover Less sabotage Greater loyalty Easier to find employees due to good reputation • Higher productivity

Recognize and Reward Good Performance • • • Compliments Smiles Thumbs-up gesture Saying "Thank you" Public announcement of your achievement • Positive letter in your personnel file • • • Promotion Time off Special parking space First choice on schedule Dinner with the boss Tickets to an event Extra employee discount Picture on the bulletin board Applause at a meeting

University Housing’s Recognition Philosophy Our employees are our greatest asset. We strive to establish and nurture a sustainable culture of appreciation for the work that our employees accomplish. We believe it is important to acknowledge the positive contributions staff make to our students’ residential experience and recognize these efforts on a consistent and continual basis throughout each year.

Creating an Action Plan • How will you let staff know what you expect of them? • How will you show that you’re interested in your staff member? • What action/activities will you take to create an positive work environment? • How will you recognize and reward good performance?

Creating a Positive Work Environment • List five things you will to develop a creative and productive work atmosphere • List five ways you will motivate your staff to do good work. • List five things you will do to sustain the productive work environment • List five things you will do to show your appreciation for good work