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.
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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
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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?
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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
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Less turnover
Less sabotage
Greater loyalty
Easier to find employees due
to good reputation
• Higher productivity
Recognize and Reward Good
Performance
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Compliments
Smiles
Thumbs-up gesture
Saying "Thank you"
Public announcement of your
achievement
• Positive letter in your
personnel file
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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