It’s like the old saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Despite what we might think, finding enjoyment in the workplace is not solely up to the employee. The employer can truly make or break an individual’s experience.
Take Google, for example. Millions of people apply to work for the technology superpower, but only a couple thousand are chosen.
Why is this?
It’s not for the reasons you may think. Studies have shown that Google employees are more satisfied with their job than the average person. The company offers a flexible, low stress, accommodating, creative and fun work environment. They look beyond the numbers and focus on the happiness of each employee.
Despite the company’s massive amount of success, this sort of environment didn’t simply happen over night. Instead, it took years of cultivating and adjusting. Now, as one of the largest public companies in the world, it is safe to say we can learn a thing or two from this technology powerhouse.
1. Establish your Core Values
At its inception, Google executives created core values it wanted to uphold. Today, the company stands behind those same ten ideas that make them one of the best companies to work for.
Not only should these values be seen in the actions of employees, but it is important to keep them in mind throughout the hiring process, too. You want to hire individuals who agree with your values and exhibit them in their everyday work.
2. Character > Skill
In a similar sense, Google admits to not always hiring the “brightest.” In fact, they don’t always pay attention to an applicant’s GPA. Instead of looking for someone who was the top of their graduating class, Google searches for people who are “fun, intellectually humble, conscientious and good at handling the unknown."
The theory is a simple one, really. Skills can always be taught. Character, on the other hand, cannot be learned as easily.
3. Honesty Really is the Best Policy
Google prides itself on creating an environment with open and honest communication. They provide employees with feedback and constructive criticism regularly, not just at the end of the quarter or year.
Not only will this type of honesty encourage your employees to ask questions, but it creates transparency throughout the entirety of your company.
4. Leave no Room for the Middle Man
Known as a “flat organization,” Google does not have many middle managers. Instead, the company primarily consists of management and staff level employees. This gives every employee an opportunity to lead.
This type of culture also allows subordinates to get to know their superiors, and vice versa. Similarly, if someone has an issue, they can express their opinion directly to a supervisor rather than going through countless other people.
5. Don’t be Afraid of Change
Change can be daunting, I know, but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Google works to constantly better and improve itself; however, they cannot do so without making changes and taking risks. After all, isn’t that one of the goals of a business? To be the best of the best.
At the same time, it is important to remember what works for one company may not work for you. Find what works best for you and go with it!
Related Article(s):