The motivators of a positive workplace

Q: You must know some simple rules to look for when finding a new job. I talk to friends who love their work and their office mates. I don’t have that now. Instead, I have someone next to me who tries to change my political opinions, another who never washes his hands and someone near me who thinks we all want to hear about her recent dates. I try to avoid all of them but we are packed in like sardines.

A: Oh no! This doesn’t sound like a positive work environment for you. Based upon my own very UNscientific observations, here is what I think are some of the motivators of a positive workplace.

1. A connection to the work. Most satisfied employees I talk with have some connection to their work. They love what they do or they love MOST of what they do. Sales people might love closing the deal. Interior designers might love finding the right fabric for a project. A kindergarten teacher might love hearing a child read their first word.

2. A connection to the client, the end user, the patient, the student, the community or the guest. Often times, I hear from employees that they love the population with whom they work. They love their customers, their most challenging patients or the kids in their classroom. Enthusiastic employees will often feel energized and refreshed after they have shared a successful moment (or moments!) with that customer!

3. A connection to colleagues! It sounds like that might be missing for you. Employees don’t have to be best friends. However, it makes it more pleasant if you enjoy the folks that work in the cube one over from you. A common interest (e.g., the love of Tom Brady or skiing) can link people together. Or you might have two people share a bond because they take the same train into the office. I have one client that has started a growing contest in the hopes of improving the connection between office mates. The employees are voting on what to grow (e.g., tomatoes, sunflowers, daisies, etc.) and then they all try to grow, from seed, these plants. Every two weeks, the CFO will be measuring and recording the results! In June, they plan to announce a winner! Even those without a green thumb are interested in the contest! I can’t change your current co-worker situation unfortunately. However, if you look at new opportunities, take a tour. Ask employees what they like and dislike about the company. You will hear a lot!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Dogs in the workplace

Q: My employer is very flexible and cool. We can dress how we want to dress. We can work from home. A few people have started bringing their dogs to work. I like dogs but I was bitten by a dog several years ago and so now I am reluctant to approach a dog. Some of the dogs roam the hallways and it makes me nervous. All the dogs seem nice but so did the dog that bit me!

A: Your employer sounds very progressive! How wonderful that you are given a lot of flexibility around dress and telecommuting.

Some of my clients permit employees to bring dogs to work. I understand your concern. No one should have to be fearful if they walk to the men's room.

When an employer permits a dog to accompany an owner to work, most employers share a few requirements to ensure the safety of all:

1. A current vet record should be provided saying that the animal is up to date on all vaccinations, etc.
2. The dog must be house-trained and well-behaved with no history of aggressive behavior.
3. All dogs should be treated humanely and given water and breaks outside on a regular basis.
4. The dog must be restrained while on company property. Some dog owners use crates while some use baby gates or leashes.
5. Create spaces where pets are not allowed. Examples include kitchens, bathrooms and conference rooms.

The landlord should also be notified in advance. Some companies require a signed legal release from the dog owner before bringing the dog into the workplace.

You could explain your concerns to your employer and ask them to limit the dogs' ability to roam freely. It sounds like that dogs at a distance may be ok for you but you prefer not to run into them unexpectedly.

One of my clients allows employees to bring in their dogs but only on Fridays. A scheduled day might be a reasonable compromise. That way you could schedule your work-at-home day on Friday and dog owners could bring their dogs to work on Fridays.

I love most dogs but like you, I am reluctant to approach a dog I don't know. More and more companies like Amazon and Ben and Jerry's allow dogs in their workplaces. I think it is wise to provide rules to employees on bringing pets into the workplace so everyone shares an understanding of how it will work.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole, owner of two wonderful rescue dogs, is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section. Click here to read about more employment topics in The Job Doc Blog at Boston.com.

Untenable stress in the workplace

http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/jobdoc/2012/11/untenable_stress_in_the_workpl.html