Your next focus for the workplace?

Community, community and more community. And, why is a community so important for the workplace?

Let’s dive in:

According to Gallup’s 2017 State of the American Workplace Report, only 33 percent of American workers are “involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work or workplace.”

So, what’s the value of having an engaged worker? Engaged workers are more likely to show up for work, are more productive at work and less likely to leave for another job opportunity. They are more mindful of safety, customer satisfaction, and company profit.

It is obvious that engaged workers are desirable, but what makes a worker engage? For many workers in America, engagement is about community. In fact, employees who report that they have close friendships at their jobs also report a 50 percent increase in satisfaction with their employer. Those with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be fully engaged in their job.

Companies that understand the importance of community and employee engagement benefit from a high level of employee retention and a great reputation. Why else would massive technology companies offer on-site laundry services, free gourmet food, and nap pods!?

The good news is that you don’t need a Google-sized budget to foster community and a positive work culture within your company. You can start small, by simply creating a space where people will want to come together. Investing in a comfortable employee breakroom is the ideal place to start. Rather than a stark, cold and boring room, consider adding color to the walls, comfortable furniture and a micro market with fresh food items available for purchase. This will encourage your employees to stick around for a meal with co-workers and give them a sense of comfort in the workplace.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider hosting special events for your employees to break up the workday with some fun. You could bring in a gourmet coffee bar on Fridays, an ice cream truck on the hottest day of the year, or host a trivia hour at lunch with prizes.

Creating a sense of workplace community isn’t about manufacturing friendships. It’s about giving them the time and space to develop naturally. With a little effort, your culture and workplace can evolve from a place to complete a job into a place where employees (and profits) will thrive and grow.

Want other ideas to revamp the workplace or your breakroom? Read our blog post on tips to making your breakroom a ‘hub of innovation’.

Add food, beverages, and healthy snacks to your breakroom with a micro market today. Start now.

SOURCES:

Gallup, Forbes