5 Actionable Steps to Create a Better Workplace Experience

Introduction

As the workplace manager at WOX, my primary goal is to help get employees excited about coming into the office. Creating a better workplace experience is essential for employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall company success. In this post, I'll share five actionable steps you can take to up-level the workplace experience at your company, focusing on hospitality, employee presence, and relationship-building.

Action 1: Build Relationships with Employees

Building relationships is the foundation of a positive work environment. As a workplace manager, you have the unique opportunity to develop connections with employees across all teams. Here are some tips for building workplace relationships:

• Learn names and address people personally
• Ask for and offer help to foster a sense of community
• Keep your promises to build trust
• Check in on people, especially new employees
• Show appreciation for your colleagues

By nurturing these relationships, you can create a stronger sense of community and improve the overall workplace experience.

Action 2: Provide Food in the Workplace

Providing food is a simple yet effective way to show appreciation for your employees. Studies have shown that offering meals, snacks, and beverages can lead to happier employees and increased productivity. Consider these strategies:

• Start small if budget is a concern, offering one or two meals a week along with snacks and beverages
• Change up the offerings to keep people excited about food trends
• Survey employees to learn their preferences
• Promote local businesses by sourcing products from nearby companies

Action 3: Invest in Regular Workplace Events

Corporate events can help cultivate your company's culture and establish a comfortable environment. These events don't have to be elaborate; they can be as simple as a weekly or monthly happy hour. Consider the following ideas:

• Monthly outdoor or off-site happy hours
• Small celebrations for employee birthdays
• Milestone celebrations featuring a guest chef

Events provide opportunities for employees to get to know each other better and for leadership to show appreciation for their hard work.

Action 4: Follow the 5S System

The 5S System, developed in Japan, promotes cleanliness and organization in the workplace. The 5S stands for sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. When applied to the workplace, it means that everything should have a designated home that makes sense. Benefits of the 5S System include:

• Increased productivity
• Improved safety
• Enhanced operational efficiency

Encourage all employees to participate in keeping the workplace clean and organized. Consider establishing education programs and outsourcing janitorial services and snack vendors to maintain a tidy office.

Action 5: Get Employees Involved

Regularly asking for employee feedback is crucial for understanding what's working well and where improvements can be made. Use tools like Google Forms to create quarterly surveys and gain insights into the workplace experience.

Additionally, consider implementing a ticketing system to manage your workplace team's workload and streamline action items. This system can help employees see how you might assist them with topics such as:

• Building access
• Shipping and deliveries
• Company swag
• Food and beverage
• Health and safety

Conclusion

Creating a better workplace experience is an ongoing process that requires adaptability and patience. By focusing on building relationships, providing food, investing in events, maintaining cleanliness, and involving employees, you can create a safe and comfortable environment that fosters productivity and employee satisfaction.

Remember, as a workplace manager, your role is to provide a great experience for your "guests." With a positive mindset and these actionable steps, you can make a significant impact on your company's culture and help employees feel excited about coming to the office.