On a general level, we spend a large number of weekly hours at work, approximately one third of our time. For this reason, it is essential that, whatever the place, a healthy work environment be breathed into it.
On the other hand, in our place of work we share information, opinions and even friendships that we do not want to be compromised by any conflict. Because of this, it is important that we learn to relate in a pleasant way with others.
After all, a good work environment provides us with a space free of stress not related to our work tasks. This makes us much more efficient, and will allow us to be more comfortable during the time we spend in our position.
The need for a healthy work environment
According to a healthy work environment, it must be achieved for three reasons:
- Because it is the right thing. In terms of business ethics, that workers feel comfortable in their position is essential. Nowadays, human rights represent a pillar of our society. Any area in which human beings relate should respect them, especially if there is money involved.
- Because it is an intelligent decision. Any entrepreneur is aware that the happiness of their workers is reflected in their productivity. Therefore, if we want better results, comfort at work is important.
- Because it is legal. This point is directly related to the first, since human rights are not only a moral and ethical concept. On the contrary, they have become fundamental laws. Respect the worker and develop a good working environment is to move in legality.
How can we have a healthy work environment?
A healthy work environment is like "a place where workers and senior staff collaborate in the implementation of a process of continuous improvement to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of workers and the sustainability of the company."
In other words, it is an environment in which everyone works for the common good, to achieve the objective of their work activities, and for the collective good, the well-being of all team members. In addition, they talk about 4 key levels in which to influence to promote the creation of healthy work environments:
- The physical environment of work. It would include the characteristics of the building or physical place where the work activity takes place. For example, the furniture, the quality of the air ...
- The psychosocial environment of work. It would include the attitudes, beliefs and practices of people in the place of employment.
- Personal health resources. Those to which the worker has access in order to be perfectly.
The participation of the company in the community. It would involve the involvement of the organization in which they work in the society that surrounds them.
How can we enhance it?
Leaving aside external issues, we can also contribute our bit to create a healthy work environment. We can not find the legal or structural issues of the place where we work. However, we can take small initiatives to improve our mood and that of those around us such as the following:
- Socialize with peers. In an environment where everyone (or almost everyone) knows each other, it is normal to see small celebrations of birthdays, promotions, small achievements or family issues. Thus, worrying about the lives of our colleagues will help improve their state of mind as well as ours. For example, worrying about a partner is sick or asking about how your children are doing will make you feel closer to you.
- Respect the privacy of others. In contrast to the previous point, it is necessary to remember that we must not exceed certain lines of intimacy of our colleagues. After all, many people understand work as a way to get away from their daily lives.
- Find moments of disconnection at work. To combine the concepts of "disconnection" and "socialization", nothing better than taking breaks for a coffee or eating with colleagues in time for lunch. Being more hours at work does not ensure you are more productive. On the contrary, it has been shown that the most productive countries tend to be where the least hours are worked.
Conclusion
A good working environment is a pleasant space, nothing hostile and full of people with whom to share experiences, processes and a lot of time. We have to use professional life to feel protected and, if this is not our case, to ask ourselves if we would be happy continuing this way. As difficult as it may seem, there are opportunities beyond a company that does not satisfy us.
