How to Create a Vibe Everyone Wants to be a Part Of

A happy employee looks forward to the working week, feeling the positive vibe in the office. Is it possible? The answer is yes.

It takes time and money to create a positive vibe in a company, but it's worth the investment. After all, employees aren't asking for a salary that would match their skillset. They want inclusivity, where their ideas would be heard and weighed heavily. Furthermore, they yearn for a working environment where their hard work would be rewarded with activities that foster camaraderie. (Your effort deserves payback.) This might pose a problem to some employers, as they deal with a myriad of challenges. They can't be blamed if they look at the long run, as they ensure the longevity of the firm. It might not a be a wise idea at all.

A number of companies in both sides of the Atlantic realize the importance of having happy employees. This would make them more productive than their unhappy counterparts. This may be the ultimate challenge for an employee (or a manager for that matter). It's not all about an employee surpassing expectations. A boss that looks at employees as nothing more than wage slaves won't go far. So it's possible to achieve a positive vibe in the company, and it may (or may not) require lots of money. What steps must be done to make it a reality?

Policies that Promotes a Happy Vibe

Unlimited holiday. This would be important, as the time away from the office can be a factor in an employee's productivity (or the lack of). Even the most industrious people get burned out. (If there isn't an episode of "The Office" on this timely topic, then you might want to look for a Blu-ray copy of Paul Weitz’s "In Good Company".) Many companies in both sides of the Atlantic give a minimum of 28 days off per year, which is good enough. It may be insufficient to married employees who must deal with the 24/7 challenges of parenthood. A good boss must not have second thoughts of granting a few days if there's a need to.

A number of unexpected treats. Not all companies can afford a team-building event, which takes place out of town. If not a weekend gateway, then a holiday in sun-kissed Caribbean. The wintry slopes in neighboring Canada can be another option. (If it's a British firm, then crossing the channel would be more than good enough. Europe is like a Disney park for art and history lovers, and the continent has more to offer to those who want to indulge in their creative side.) The same thing applies to an employee who is about to celebrate his (or her) birthday. A Yuletide gathering is also recommended, but someone must be in charge of checking out the alcohol intake of others. (Some might have to report to work during the holidays.)

Feeding time. This may seem unusual, but anything to lift up the employees' morale would be more than good enough. If English companies have their so-called cake culture, then a chocolate treat every Monday would be a great suggestion. It's highly likely that most employees haven't outgrown their craving for pizza, so employees can plan a Pizza Wednesday. It's another opportunity for colleagues to bond together, if not get to know each other a bit better.

A playground to keep stress (and depression) at bay. Colorful couches and beanbags, board games, a huge TV set (or play station). It may (or may not) be sufficient to keep employees from complaining about the overwhelming tasks and the lack of outlets whenever the stress is getting into them, but a good boss (or manager) would listen to additional suggestions.

Personal touch. A good boss (or manager) must talk to his (or her) team, getting to know them along the way.

More Popular Policies at Work

More professionals prefer remote work, if not a flexible working schedule. In a professional environment where transportation and personal fulfillment become important factors, a company must recognize it. A positive step that would ensure the best employees to stay happy and employed for years. And it might be a good idea to have an Intrapreneur lab of sort, where business ideas turn into a reality. The company resources might be a help here, an encouraging sign from staff members who want to think that the company values them.

There must be a strong anti-harassment policy, which shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Providing staff with a level of autonomy must be made aware especially to the newly-hired members. And it won’t be possible to achieve a positive vibe without frequent visits to the gym. Why not provide free gym membership? Lunchtime exercise classes could be a good alternative.

You can suggest something else, but it would sum up to one message. Loud and clear.