People are a key asset in our environment yet often they are seen as a disposable asset. It is crucial that our industry understands that if we are designing our environments for success then we have to do so with our people in mind.

The business environment speaks about the achievement of profit as the measure of success. Sometimes the measure of success are the achievements of the staff within the work environment that creates success for the organisation at large. There is no success without the people and people are only as effective as the environment they are in.

What does a successful environment look like for the organisation that you manage? 

If we consider the Google Play work environment it is conducive to the type of staff that work there where creativity is standard for productivity. Manufacturing will not respond constructively to the same because of the processing and protocol adherence required for ISO, food safety as well as health and safety. A more structured environment like ours compartmentalises work and play by designating specific times and areas for each.

Design your environment for success

Your company environment has to be designed for productivity as well as engaging staff. Staff that are engaged and attentive at work are the ones who generally have access to more than just the basic amenities. They work contently in a comfortable seat and environment and enjoy their breaks. A pleasant work environment helps staff focus on the work at hand.

That’s the spirit!

A successful work environment is also about the relationships and team cohesion. Healthy competition is great for motivating internal teams. Sales teams are typically driven towards success by celebrating milestones and achievements. Therefore reward and punitive measures have to be in place for extra mile achievement and failing to meet basic targets. Understanding when to counsel an employee versus punish is important.

Upwards or Onwards?

Our competitors frequently seek to poach our staff. Upon investigation, we have found this to be mainly due to the value of their industry experience and personal development. Training and developing staff will not guarantee loyalty as the individual and / or company may outgrow each other and the employee may move on. However if we view the staff from the onset as individuals that will leave us, we will choose to not invest in their development and growth. Eventually this will produce the type of employee who only follows instructions and there is no upward pressure to build on their capability.

Driving from the top

Developing employees who also push their leaders to grow and develop is what any organisation wants. Sedate staff who are comfortable in a stagnant environment hold your company back. Employees need to have an adaptable mindset geared for an environment of change and flexibility. This reminds me of the quote by Henry Ford: “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got.”

Driving from the top works in an autocratic environment, where you will never find resourceful and tenacious staff. Staff who are given the scope to make decisions and trusted to deliver will push themselves towards achieving business objectives.

Organisational Culture 

Culture holds a high value within any organisation as it is weaved into the fabric of the company and is set by the leadership. When the culture is problematic, the first place that you will need to look is at the top. As a leader it is vital to set the culture in your organisation. In our industry a culture of performance and teamwork are the drivers for success.

These are some of the tenets we have built the business on in recent years and surprisingly it is this softer touch in the very masculine manufacturing industry that gives us a competitive advantage.

By Volente Morais, Executive Manager at Koogan Plastics