What Does “Positive Workplace” Mean to You?

by Jul 18, 2012

We asked this question on LinkedIn, and here were some of our favorite answers…

I think the definition of this phrase is probably as diverse as the collection of individuals in the workplace being discussed… for me personally, it’s a place where I am trusted and respected, where my professional growth is supported, and where I have the opportunity to act in kind towards my colleagues.

Community, fun, respect, supportive, flexible, inspiring. I start with community b/c if employees describe their work space as having a sense of community, they feel a sense of belonging, and that triggers engagement and loyalty.

Open-minded, people take and give responsibility, fair, fun, reliable, where your competence is needed and developed

A “no idiots” policy.

New ideas welcome, resources shared according to need, all roles respected (not just your own tribe’s!), flexibility based on trust.

Creativity, open communication, friendliness, flexible work hours, intolerance of cattiness.

Open to ideas, trusting, energetic, light ‘n airy workspaces, respectful of human beings (not cogs in a machine) coming together to tackle projects, warm, mentoring, see work as a journey toward a goal that makes a difference; work is more than just work… It should be a fun ‘n exciting where we r in the zone n in our element, like children with crayons having such a fun day, bright, open, curious n embracing all that’s on offer

Respectful, fun, compassionate

‘I would like to come back here again and again’

I love coming to work everyday.

You must have freedom to fail to be able to innovate and grow

No egotistical, abusive managers who are protected by upper management and the lawyers in HR (does that sound bitter?) 🙂

Challenges, growth, engaging, stimulating

Optimism, stimulating, open, compassionate, creative, fun, engaging, growth

Invigorating, energizing

Feeling supported by co-workers in a fun, collaborative environment.

Civility is the platform for organizational success—it is absolutely necessary for an organization to reach its goals. Download our Ebook on Seeking Civility to learn more on how to create a workplace free of bullying and abusive conduct.

 

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

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