What are the hallmarks of a positive and productive workplace culture? I would include engagement, smart work habits, having the right people in the right positions, healthy communication and fun. By fostering these attributes in your organization, your staff members will be satisfied, motivated and empowered to do their best every day. Here’s how to do it:

1. Engagement
   Be sure that opportunities exist for employees to offer input on decision making in areas that impact their work and the overall organization. More importantly, when opportunities are offered, monitor staff participation. If participation levels begin to wane, it may be time to reinvigorate your employee feedback program. Employees bring forth great ideas—implement them whenever possible. When the positive impact of employee input is visible in the workplace, it encourages staff members to take ownership.
2. Smart Work Habits
   Encourage your employees to work smarter rather than harder and they will accomplish more and be happier. Be sure performance expectations are clear and monitor to ensure the workload is appropriately delegated and shared. Ensure supervisors provide ongoing feedback on job performance for all staff members. Set goals and celebrate when they are met.
3. Having the Right People in the Right Positions
   Proper attention to hiring practices and performance evaluations will facilitate an environment where the right people are hired into the right positions. Employee satisfaction is at its highest when people are able to use their strengths and gain new skills as they grow in their positions. Leaders should allow for appropriate internal movement to ensure the right fit for staff members. Cross-training can illuminate skillsets and ignite passion in employees and should be encouraged whenever possible.
4. Healthy Communication
   Open, honest, direct communication practices can really make a difference in staff morale. Encourage staff members to practice direct communication by modeling good communication yourself and offering advice and training on communication skills. Ensure that managers are being held accountable for healthy communication, too. All members of staff must be willing to take responsibility for both sending and receiving clear communication.
5. Fun!
   Don’t underestimate the importance of fun in the workplace. Leaders who share laughter with staff members and genuinely enjoy their work are simply more pleasant to be around. Why not strive to become the kind of boss whom you would like to work for? Including fun in the workplace can be as simple as encouraging dress up (or dress down) days or celebrating an achievement with a surprise pizza party. Wear a funny hat to work one day—it will make a great conversation starter and allow staff members to see your lighter side.

Your business benefits in countless ways when you foster a positive and productive workplace culture. Happy staff members are much more likely to provide high-quality service, stay with your company longer, promote your business in the community and contribute more to your bottom line.