Cultivating a positive workplace environment is not something achieved by a select few – everyone brings something of their own to the table. Forgive the cliché, but the modern office space is such a hive of activity that it is almost impossible for it to be led by a single presence. Everyone pitches in.
And, if your business is to reap the sweet benefits of growth, increased revenue and industry recognition then the employer must embrace this. Personalities are what make a successful business tick – for better or worse.
Lee Biggins is the Founder and Managing Director of recruitment experts CV Library. He says:
Our research found that there are certain personality traits that UK professionals would most like to see in their colleagues. At the top of the list was positivity, with 48.1% of workers rating this as the trait that they would like to see in their colleagues. This was followed by honesty (42.1%), approachability (41.5%) and a sense of humour (38.3%).
What all of these traits have in common is a theme of openness and support. Clearly, UK workers want to find themselves in a workplace where people are able to express their opinions without fear of unjust negativity.
1. Positivity
Every office has that shining beacon of positivity, and some are lucky enough to have more than one. Again, this is something more employers should recognise. Happiness at work equals productivity; a brand new survey from employee services provider Personal Group proves that happy workers are 12% more productive.
Happiness at work can be influenced by a number of factors, from pay to how the office itself is designed.
2. Creativity
Our minds work differently, and we often approach problems from different angles – this is all to do with creativity. Creative minds are best put to use in collaboration with others, as ideas bounce off one another and become industry-leading campaigns (or are retired to the wastepaper bin, as some are).
Because, while success might be reflected in profit margins and ROIs, they only exist because of brave, bold ideas. Good ideation processes will always uncover the creative minds of your workplace, so employers should be taking the time to engender a positive, creative environment in order for talent to flourish.
3. Punctuality
Being on time is an understated, often-overlooked aspect which gets far less credit than deserved. It goes for anything – coming into work on time, delivering tasks and respecting deadlines.
If your business is reliant on timing, then this can be even more important. Working in digital, for example, may require you to provide reactive comment on industry developments or events in the media.
It’s not only important within the team, it’s great for meeting clients and ensuring that you make a good impression at job interviews.
4. Integrity
Integrity relates to so much within the workplace; have you ever taken credit for someone else’s work? Maybe you’ve witnessed something untoward but have neglected to tell anyone.
Honesty and trust are central to integrity, and its ethical foundations within work must not be underestimated. It is also closely aligned to passion – how much you know about your industry depends on the amount of work you have put in and your genuine interest in the business.
5. Passion
Having a passion for what you do is crucial, not only for personal fulfillment (everyone wants to enjoy what they do) but career advancement, too. Whatever industry you are in, a love of the business will stand you in good stead for success.
Maybe you are a design-head, and live for creating websites. Have you always had a way with words? Copywriting should be right (or, write?) up your street. Either way, passion is a list-topping priority for most recruiters and is most certainly something fellow colleagues will want to see.
Nick Pollitt is the Managing Director of DBI Furniture Solutions. He says:
More employers need to be recognising the varied and unique mix of personalities within their business, and start viewing them in a more human way. There are so many personality traits within an office, but they can often get overlooked. This leads to individuals feeling under-valued and, at worst, dispensary.
It takes a few simple steps to prevent this from happening, and it begins with awareness. If there is a creative genius in the ranks, make your appreciation heard. Do you have a constantly positive presence? Thank them!
Productivity has so much to do with employee engagement, recognition and praise. With these values in tow, your business should see the improvements almost immediately.
