Creating a positive workplace culture for care providers

A positive workplace culture is important. It can enable better care and support for service users. Why? Because happy workers will more likely go the extra mile for a company who cares and support them.

What is a positive workplace culture?

Bower (1966) simply described it as ‘the way we do things around here’. It is a set of principles and practices which motivates, engages and supports staff. It is something that even visitors should be able to see and feel. Additionally, how staff and clients communicate and interact with one another.

How can you create a positive environment?

There is no quick way for implementing a positive workplace. In fact it’s important it is reflected upon and any actions and measures undertaken are reviewed regularly.

Here are some things you can reflect on to provide a positive workplace culture:

• Is the environment safe and positive?
• Are staff involved in creating goals for the organisation?
• Do the staff have access to a wellbeing service or support?
• Are staff encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions?
• Are there opportunities to learn, develop, thrive for staff and service users?
• Is there an open door policy which provides confidentiality when it’s needed?
• Are interactions between the whole organisation positive (staff to service users, management to staff etc)?

What can a positive workplace culture do for a care organisation?

A positive culture can have several benefits as a whole for an organisation. Implementing positive policies, procedures and actions can:

• Improve and maintain a positive reputation
  
• Provide a well-led service to it’s clients and staff
• The team will communicate and collaborate 
• Facilitate person centred care and support for service users
  
• Reduce recruitment costs through retaining the right staff who do not wish to work for another organisation 

Resources:

Here are some further resources to check out:

• Skills for Care – Creating a positive workplace culture – click here
• The Care Training Company – Managing stress blog – click here

Comment below how you create a positive workplace culture within your care organisation.