Make Your Workplace Someplace You Would Want to Visit

One day last November as I was waiting for my delayed flight to take off from Terminal 3 of JFK airport, I noticed a television monitor carrying a message from the Port Authority proudly claiming that some 440 million passengers per year use the New Jersey and New York airports and train stations. Given that I was waiting in a crowded terminal with few amenities the thought of half-billion people milling about was not a comforting message.

The disconnect between message and environment is not unique. As consultant I am privileged to visit a number of work environments. How a facility looks says a great deal about how employees feel about it.

When a facility is run down--that is, lighting is dim, carpets are worn, walls are in need of new paint, cubicles are sagging, and conference rooms unkempt--it sends a signal that management does not care how people feel when they come to work. On the other hand when the facility is up to date--bright, clean, and spacious--it radiates a sense of energy. People know that management cares how the place looks and is willing to invest in its maintenance.

In fairness older facilities are harder to maintain and many organizations lack the funding to keep them in tiptop shape. Yet there are some things management can do to communicate to employees that they care enough to create a pleasant work environment.

One, provide adequate light. Natural light is best; newer buildings have huge panels of glass that create atrium like effects in their offices. The light seems to breathe life into the building, and in winter this can be comforting. In summer it makes working inside more tolerable. Older facilities can improve light by creating more open spaces and installing lighting systems that provide healthy amounts of illumination.

Two, put a shine on the place. One office facility adjacent a factory painted the hallways and put art on the walls. It was not a huge investment but it made a difference with employees. They liked it. It made employees feel that management was thinking of them.

Three, create commons areas where people can gather. Recently I visited a financial services company located in a high rise. One of the middle floors of the building was dedicated as a central meeting area complete with meeting rooms as well as a coffee bar. It was airy and open, and popular place for employees to gather.

Four, make the cafeteria inviting. Years ago cafeteria food was like prison food--bland, overcooked and to be avoided. Now in some places I go out of my way to eat in the cafeteria because the choices are healthy, savory and affordable. They also offer great variety from entrees to salads as well as choices of Asian, continental and traditional. When the cafeteria is an inviting place people want to congregate; this builds a sense of community informally.

True enough not every company can transform itself overnight but it can make an effort to make facilities more amenable. One facility that impressed me recently was the headquarters of the National Parks and Recreation Association headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia. The office building is styled like park visitors center with a tasteful combination of stone, wood and glass. Its grounds are landscaped and include walking trails as well as a couple of ball fields. You know in an instant that management understands the impact of environment on employees.

Inside the lobby you will find an inscription that reads: "Leave it better than you found it." This mantra of the Boy Scouts applies to campgrounds but it also should resonate with leaders. Do what you can to make the work environment better and your employees will help you make the place achieve more than what you expected.

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John Baldoni is an internationally recognized leadership development consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. In 2010 Top Leadership Gurus named John one of the world's top 25 leadership experts. John's newest book is 12 Steps to Power Presence: How to Assert Your Authority to Lead. (Amacom 2010). Readers are welcome to visit John's website, www.johnbaldoni.com