It’s not simple. It takes more than a workshop, a potluck, and a few random acts of kindness. Those are worthwhile activities for sure but developing, then sustaining, workplaces where morale is high and employees happy is complex work.

To take on the challenge, check out these attributes of a thriving organization.

Then begin a conversation with your leadership about mood, emotional wellbeing, employee health, and organizational success.

Here are some steps to begin – or continue – this work:

• Hear more from MJ on positive psychology, mood, and workplace wellness at her blog.
• Learn about psychologically healthy workplaces from the American Psychological Association. Check out APA’s; Center for Organizational Excellence, including resources for employers.
• Schedule a presentation from EAP provider ComPsych, compliments of the AWC Trust. Relevant titles include: Balancing Work and Life, Happiness: A Key to Life’s Satisfaction, The Impact of Attitude on Work and Life, Civility in the Workplace, Building Trust, and many more!
• Develop a formal employee recognition program employee recognition program and encourage informal ones.
• Make the Gratitude Graffiti Project an annual tradition and the practice of gratitude a workplace norm.
• Follow WellCity standards and use AWC Trust resources to develop programs, policies, and an environment that support employees’ ability to thrive in all areas of wellbeing.

Thriving organizational wellbeing

• The executive leadership team is a truly cohesive one.
• The mission, vision, and values are clearly articulated, and every employee knows how he/she fits within them.
• Employees are empowered and enabled to leverage their strengths.
• Leaders and the work climate provide employees with autonomous support (versus using incentives to drive behaviors).
• Clear, timely, and meaningful communication is provided for employees, and employees share feedback and ideas that are actually used.
• Clear, timely, and meaningful communication is provided for employees in the spirit of ongoing growth and development (versus simply measuring performance).
• The climate fosters innovation, creativity, and meaningful work.
• Leaders truly value employees – and employees feel valued.
• Employees are encouraged and supported to be authentic and be themselves.
• People within the organization respect, support, and care about one another as people, not just employees there to complete certain job tasks.
• Accountability is embraced; the rules are clear and apply to everyone.
• Employees are provided the tools and resources they need to work safely and productively.
• Resources, programs, policies, and the environment support employees’ ability to thrive in all areas of wellbeing.
• Employees are happy and proud to work there!

From How to Build a Thriving Culture at Work
Rosie Ward and Jon Robison