The working environment
A good way to understand a concept is to start by looking up its definition in the dictionary. If we look up the word ‘climate’ in the RAE, this is what we find:
- m. Set of atmospheric conditions that characterise a region.
- m. environment (conditions or circumstances). Intellectual, political climate.
Now, if we add ‘working,’ we could agree that ‘work environment’ would be the set of conditions or circumstances we face when we go to work.
Saul Gellerman is known for first introducing the term ‘Organisational Climate’ in 1960, but a little earlier, Polish psychologist Kurt Lewin worked extensively on the subject of behaviour and, with his ‘Field Theory’, explained how people’s behaviour depended largely on dynamic factors, a kind of balance between external and internal factors.
Many authors have worked on the subject since then, and today there are organisations such as Great Place to Work that specialise in measuring the work environment and ranking companies based on the results of these instruments: The Best Places to Work.
Aspects of the work environment that can affect us
From the employees’ point of view, the work environment can be divided into several aspects that have the greatest impact on perception and appreciation.
- The structure of the company, for example, determines how much growth an employee can achieve. A vertical organisation will give the impression of a career plan, while in a very ‘flat’ organisation there will be fewer opportunities. This has a fairly direct impact on employee motivation and their desire to stay in the medium and long term.
- The reward system, which is not only made up of salary, but also a number of other benefits that may be intangible. Here, for example, things such as recognition for a job well done and visibility can be great motivators.
- Interpersonal relationships, which are particularly important in Latin cultures. Having spaces to share, talk and get to know each other. Open-door policies, where employees can access management with a certain degree of naturalness, can even facilitate decision-making and the flow of communication.
- Infrastructure, as this can greatly facilitate or hinder daily work. The quality of the environment in terms of lighting and ventilation even has a direct impact on people’s health.
- Organisational culture, values, beliefs and norms may or may not be aligned with those of your employees. Something as simple as a dress code can have a direct impact on how comfortable we feel during our working day.
The importance of a good working environment
If we take into account that our behaviour is dynamically affected by external and internal elements that are present at all times, we can safely conclude that the quality of the working environment will have an impact on the quality of work.
Although human beings can achieve our goals ‘despite’ many things, the most ambitious goals will probably require greater motivation from our team, as well as more suitable conditions and tools.
There is a close relationship between motivation and creativity. Perhaps that is why, in environments where creativity is particularly valued, companies take extreme measures to ensure that their employees enjoy their work.
On the other hand, our working environment depends in part on ourselves. Cultivating good personal relationships, keeping our surroundings tidy, and even contributing ideas to improve our working conditions are all within our reach.
