How to improve the work environment in the midst of the pandemic?

When we walk into an office we're capable of sensing its work environment. There are some places where you can breathe the tension, where all you see is the faces of serious or bitter employees, and where you feel the rigidity. And then there are other places in which the opposite occurs, you feel respect, proximity, warmth, flexibility, joy and tranquility. But what's happening now that the pandemic is forcing workers to turn their homes, into their work spaces?

Right now, organizations are facing a new challenge and it's maintaining a good work environment, in spite of the physical distance and the uncertainty that is in the air. For this, leaders must keep in mind the importance of maintaining constant and empathic communication with each of their employees. Additionally, they must also remember that the state of any work environment depends on many factors like:

• The type of leadership present in the organization.
• The relationships between work colleagues.
• Installations for work/telecommuting.
• The organization's culture.
• The structure of work teams.

How to improve the work environment remotely?

What's most important is that employees feel they're in company, feel heard and valued because they all have different ways of facing the fact they are working from home, the loneliness, the digital exposure, their anxiety, sadness, lack of focus, etc., of being away from their work routine.

We propose some ideas that could benefit the virtual working environment:

• Grant employees the necessary equipment so they can comfortably do their job.
• Do team building activities online.
• Implement active break routines.
• Distribute work activities in pairs so they will support and keep company with each other.
• Spread motivational messages to work teams.
• Provide rewards for the achievement of goals.
• Be thankful for all the effort.

Creating an optimal environment in which employees feel satisfied fulfilling their roles benefits the company because, when the team feels good, it works with more enthusiasm and, without a doubt, it's more creative and productive. Have you stopped to think about how your company's work environment is? Would you like to make some changes?

If your answer is affirmative, we invite you to put it into practice and to experience some of the benefits of having a good work environment where workers feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing, learning, growing and developing all of their potential. Where they are respected, valued and considered key in the organization. Think about it. Change is always positive, it's worth a try.

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