Productive Workplace Environments
Creating a productive workplace environment is essential to the survival of any business, yet creating such an environment is no easy task (McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2003). There are numerous factors involved with creating such an environment, and these factors often become moving targets with the increasing diversity in the today's workforce. Some of these factors that will be discussed include the concept of employees being partners, motivating employees, what makes people tick, and harmony in the workplace.The article entitled "Employees or Partners?" Zall (2003) uses Maslows Hierarchy of Needs as a model. The author explains that the hierarchy is a series of steps that must be fulfilled in sequence before moving to the next step. The author goes on to say that understanding the hierarchy is an important issue to motivating employees. Once an understanding of the hierarchy has been developed, managers can use it motivate employees. By becoming acquainted with their employees, managers can determine what level of the hierarchy their employees are on. With this information, managers can then determine what motivating factors may work for their employees. Along with the use of Maslows hierarchy,
The article entitled "The Extra Mile" is based on the argument that a firm's success is based on the ability of the organization to motivate employees to work together and exceed expectations. The last and maybe the hardest strategy is to not hold grudges. If someone is complaining about you, take them aside and tell them what you heard. This unprofessional act diminishes the critic, and the negativity lowers the morale of the workforce. Such recognition could be in the form of a simple "good job", or mention in a company newsletter. Both models have proven beneficial in the workplace. Recognition in forms other than monetary compensation provides employees a sense of satisfaction and belonging. Creating a culture of encouraged initiative will create greater results than an environment of competition between employees. One is lean production, which relies on employee involvement and the other is team production which relies on employee empowerment. Anger among co-workers often results in diminished work output and a tense working environment. Know when to compromise and be willing to admit when you're wrong. On the other hand, a person who has intrinsic values would tend to be less motivated by monetary compensation, and be more motivated by the performing their job to the best of their ability. Because of the possible influence on the way people work, Conway contends that employers should consider motivation in terms of job design. Conway states that motivations to work are either intrinsic or extrinsic in nature. Doing so will allow an opportunity to demonstrate skills, talents, and professionalism.
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