Many companies prefer having a high-pressure, hard-hitting, and rigid culture to scale their business. What they don’t realize is that it creates stress, turnover, disengagement, and many other problems that cost the overall organization.

A friendly work environment creates a positive atmosphere, and people feel valued and respected. They are encouraged to work as a close-knit, supportive team and freely express their ideas and feelings.

According to leading motivational speaker Steve Gilliland, here are the benefits of fostering a friendly work environment.

1. Keeps Employees Engaged

Disengagement is a significant issue in many workplaces that people aren’t always aware of, and it brings 60% more errors and 37% higher absenteeism within a company. Although a strict environment and fear can increase engagement, it’s only for the short term, and employees become disengaged over time.

With a friendly work environment, engagement is organic, and it’s associated with feeling respected, supported, and valued. People are more excited to come to the office, have fun, put in their 100%, and aim for positive outcomes.

2. It’s Good for Everyone’s Mental Health

Many employees experience mental health problems at work, leading to absenteeism, turnover, and lack of productivity. Cultivating a friendly work environment protects their mental health and allows them to talk openly about their feelings with coworkers and managers alike. This opens the door to an inclusive culture at the company where everyone can share their thoughts without fear, promoting support and empathy.

3. Increased Loyalty

An organization puts considerable time, effort, and money into recruiting and training employees. They expect a loyal and hardworking employee in return. However, stressful working conditions increase voluntary turnover. Even companies that offer a wide range of perks face turnover. Research suggests that employees prefer workplace well-being over material benefits. A positive and friendly environment that cares for its people goes a long way and retains great employees.

4. It Encourages Risk-Taking and Productivity

Your business can’t grow or survive in today’s market without risks. It’s all about taking the right risks at the right time, but often employees fear thinking outside the box due to the stress of consequences. When you allow them to express their creativity, they are encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the table and become productive.

A friendly environment instills confidence in employees to win in unpredictable circumstances with creative solutions.

5. Promotes and Increases Happiness

A friendly work environment creates positivity and happiness among employees. Happiness is contagious; the more it spreads, the better for the organization. People who take joy in their work inspire others to do the same. This creates a multiplier effect, and you’ll have a team of encouraged and determined employees.

6. Attracts Top Talent

All organizations want to attract talented candidates, and a friendly work environment can help you with that. When your existing employees are happy, they spread the good word outside, facilitating employer branding. People learn about the healthy working conditions at your company and would want to work there; it helps you choose the top talent in the industry and grow.

If you want to learn how to create a positive and friendly working environment in your company, Steve Gilliland is your best bet. He is North America’s funniest motivational speaker who shares his words of wisdom with a dash of humor to make corporate events fun. He offers in-person presentations, virtual presentations, books, audiobooks, and much more. Book him now.

“I was right on the money when I decided to book Steve for our Annual Convention. The group absolutely loved him. His message was magnificent.”