Introduction to Humane Work Environments

Working conditions are an age old problem. The most serious work related concern is safety. Although safety is paramount, this article focuses on respect and humane working conditions.  Mice work well in mazes, but people don’t.  Cubicles isolate employees visually and socially. Partitions can be helpful if used to define and improve work flow. One reasonable method is to partition off larger spaces for small groups of three or four employees. All partitions should open to a common hall. Next, rather than grouping employees by work assignment, consider designing spaces around an employee’s needs and preferences. Consider their working style. Is it collaborative or do some employees work best without frequent distractions?  Employees may spend one third of their waking hours working, so make sure employees have adequate personal space and encourage them to personalize it within reasonable boundaries.  Next, make sure employees have the necessary resources or means to complete their work. This includes everything from supplies, to procedure manuals and reference materials to cutting edge training. Recognize that employees have different learning styles and give them the flexibility to learn new material their way.  Lastly, supervisors should function like project managers, assign tasks, coach and support employees. Great supervisors bring out the best in employees.

 

Helpful techniques include environmental design and a developmental approach. Environmental design removes barriers to improve the flow of energy. A developmental perspective informs knowledgeable supervisors that employment is a journey not a destination. Good supervisors understand what motivates an employee to give their best. Supervisors that recognize and reward creativity would do well to design a job description around an employee’s talents rather than fitting them into a checklist to fit the company’s pre-defined needs. Performance appraisals are best used as a motivational tool rather than something to be dreaded.  Motivated employees may use a performance appraisal to propel themselves forward if it is a dynamic document.  Great supervisors know when to move aside and let the creative flow happen.