With so much ambiguity surrounding the workforce in recent years, a healthy work environment is more important than ever. For employers looking to add to their teams, quality job seekers will seek out this type of work environment and many won’t settle for less.

A successful company is shaped by happy, thriving, and productive employees. The workplace culture each organization is made up of is will not only impact day-to-day work, but it’s also indicative of future achievements. For company leaders who strive for success, cultivating a healthy work environment should be at the top of your list.

Below are 8 tips for a healthy work environment that will breed productivity and create a more successful company.

Hire the Right Team

With the right team in place, anything is possible. Our executive search firm can make this happen, using impeccable judgement and industry experience to identify and attract the best talent. A healthy and inspiring work environment will retain a team full of positive, productive employees.

Open Communication and Transparency

A work environment with open communication and transparency allows each team member to feel comfortable sharing ideas and offering their input, creating a deeper sense of community. Honesty is always the best policy and will benefit the greater good of the office in the long run.

Reward Hard Work

Hard work and accomplishments should never go unnoticed. Showing appreciation for hard work and commitment to the company leads to positivity and overall happier employees. Keep spirits and workplace morale high by rewarding hard work, praising successes, and celebrating when appropriate.

Encourage Movement

Movement throughout the day will lead to more productivity. Encourage everyone to get some movement in during the day, whether it’s a group fitness class in the morning or taking a walk during lunch. Taking breaks every few hours to get some movement in will make a big difference in reducing stress and avoiding burnout.

Promote Collaboration

Collaboration is the key to a successful team. Promoting healthy collaboration will make each member of the team feel valued. Working as a team instead of individuals is critical for the success of the company. Even if your company works remotely, bouncing ideas off each other on Zoom calls can foster will promote collaboration and breed more productivity.

Allow Independence

Collaboration should be encouraged but independence is also a virtue. When a team feels micromanaged, the workplace morale suffers. Trust in your employees to do the quality work they were hired for without hovering over them and stunting their workflow.

Provide Learning Opportunities

Providing more opportunities to learn and hone their craft will boost positivity in any work environment, making your team feel they are worth it to invest in. Offering free webinars, workshops, and online programs will keep everyone current on the latest technology and best practices in your industry.

Support Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is crucial to success. Without it, your employees will burn out and not be able to give their work 100 percent. Create a work environment that recognizes everyone has a life outside of the office and be accommodating to schedules that need some flexibility to balance it all.

JW Michaels & Co. is an executive search firm dedicated to serving the specialized recruiting needs of top-tier financial services, legal, technology and business institutions. Contact us about our Executive Search and Flexible Staffing Solutions today.

Congratulations! You’ve made it through each phase of the interview process, and you’ve been asked back for one final interview with perhaps the biggest influence on your hiring decision: the CEO.

It’s a completely normal feeling for your nerves to be flare up about this impending interview. The CEO arguably has the most experience, passion and influence within the company. However, it doesn’t have to be as nerve wracking as it’s made out to be in your mind.

First and foremost, the tried and true piece of advice that goes for any interview still holds its merit with the final stage of your interview process – be yourself. Don’t get caught up with trying to impress the CEO. They want to speak to your authentic self and the person who will potentially be representing the company one day. It’s even a good idea to strike up a casual conversation such as complimenting a recent product launch or keynote speech.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to do everything in your power to make the CEO feel as if you aren’t wasting his or her time. The way to achieve this is to enter the interview as prepared as possible, knowing the company’s history and everything that would be expected of you if you get the job. Keep in mind it’s not all one-sided – you can feel free to ask questions you might have about the position or company if something is unclear, and you will often be given this opportunity at the end of the interview. Your authenticity, interest and transparency and won’t go unnoticed.

Throughout the interview, many questions and answers will be imparted, but the key focus should be to relay your message with intention, drive and enthusiasm. The CEO will undoubtedly be listening to what you have to say, but rest assured they will also be listening to how you say it. All CEOs are not created equal but there’s a good chance they’re all looking for an honest, genuine candidate who will make their own impact on the company.

Don’t think of yourself as in the hot seat during the final interview. Instead, switch your mindset to think of it as a conversation with someone who can possibly become a valuable mentor in your career, as well as someone who shares the same goals about achieving success within the company they lead.

JW Michaels & Co. is an executive search firm dedicated to serving the specialized recruiting needs of top-tier financial services, legal, technology, and business institutions. Since our founding in 2010, we have grown to over 120 employees across six offices nationwide. We continue to grow because we stay true to our mission, employing the best people to find the best people.