The workplace is often viewed as a sterile, cold environment where people are expected to leave their emotions at the door and focus solely on productivity. However, this approach is outdated and counterproductive, as it fails to recognize that human beings are emotional creatures who thrive in an environment that values empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. Therefore, it is crucial to humanize the workplace to create a positive, productive, and fulfilling work environment. In the restoration industry, connecting to humans is what we do. Bringing that compassion, we give to our customers, internally will create an atmosphere of belonging and value.
Encourage Communication and Collaboration
One of the most important ways to humanize the workplace is to encourage communication and collaboration. People are social beings, and working in isolation can be demotivating and lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. By encouraging these things, employees are more likely to form positive relationships with one another, feel connected to their work, and collaborate more effectively on projects.
Create a Safe Space
Sure, the phrase “safe space” has been added to the list of most recent overused buzzwords in the workforce today. But, creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings is crucial to humanizing your workforce. Employees should feel free to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns without fear of judgement or retaliation. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work arrangements include work from home options, flexible hours, or any alternate arrangement or schedule from the traditional work day, can help the workplace by giving employees more control over their work-life balance. Let’s be real…life happens. Our employees want to be the best employee, best parent, spouse, and partner, and giving 100% to all is not possible some days. By offering flexible work arrangements, employers can help reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and create a more inclusive workplace.
Prioritize Employee Wellness
Employee wellness should be a top priority for employers who want to humanize their workplace. Wellness programs look like yoga classes, smoking cessation programs, mindfulness training, access to mental health resources, and memberships to gyms. By prioritizing employee wellness, employers can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a healthier workplace culture. Employees that feel good and prioritize their own wellness, develop a culture within themselves of discipline.
Humanizing the workplace is essential for creating a positive, productive, and fulfilling work environment. Isn’t that what we all want in our businesses? Encouraging communication, creating a safe space, offering flexibility arrangements, recognizing and celebrating achievements, and prioritizing employee wellness are crucial steps in making the workplace to more than a business….it is developing the human.
Book recommendation: “The Fearless Organization” by Amy Edmundson
With over 20 years of HR experience, Marcie understands the struggles companies face in compliance regulation and policy structure. She recognizes that effective company culture and policies start with how we treat employees. As the Director of Human Resources for Guarantee Restoration Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she values the need for a strong company culture to ensure operational continuity. Marcie obtained her IICRC in WRT and ASD because she believes to truly understand the needs of each employee, you need to understand their job. Marcie also holds a Louisiana Department of Insurance License in Health, Life & Accident.
