Humanize Your Workplace™

by Lynn Taylor
Founder and CEO, Lynn Taylor Consulting

A harmonious work environment in which everyone effectively works together may seem like a desert mirage, but it’s actually not as unattainable as it appears. In order to humanize your workplace™ requires cooperation on all parts, but with diligence and consistency, it can be achieved.

Humanizing the workplace requires a deliberate collaboration between Boss and Worker, with the common goals of communication, motivation and admiration. These are the three pillars for success and balance.

Surely you’ve seen schoolyard kids shout over each other, as if they’re in two separate worlds. While business professionals have a much more demure façade, that doesn’t always hide what’s inside. In the same way, employers and employees must communicate often and freely to avoid hurt feelings or anger. This can be accomplished through something as simple as weekly meetings to discuss concerns so both are on the same page. Setting clear, realistic goals together during such meetings is the most reasonable – and productive – approach.

Employee productivity is a direct outgrowth of relentless motivation to succeed. If managers consistently offer challenges and opportunities to grow; express private and public gratitude; and occasionally roll up their sleeves to pitch, they are taking major steps to build a stress-free, desirable work environment.

A humanistic workplace “works” both ways, however. Both employer and employee must show respect and understanding for being in the other’s shoes.