3 Qualities Employees Most Often Find in a Great Workplace

Lisa Black
| Energize

These aren’t the “9 to 5” things Dolly Parton sang about. Today’s workplaces increasingly recognize the importance of creating environments that prioritize inclusion, support and teamwork.

Employees also quickly recognize these efforts. As part of the Top Workplaces survey process, when we ask employees to list three words that describe their organization’s culture, terms centered on those themes are among the most frequently mentioned traits.

Inclusivity is the cornerstone of team support. Top Workplaces employees see the commitment to inclusion and diversity. Employees repeatedly emphasize that their organization goes beyond mere rhetoric and actively fosters an environment in which everyone feels valued, respected and heard. From embracing a variety of perspectives to implementing inclusive hiring practices, these workplaces prioritize diversity at every level.

Support is a cultural trait that encourages people to be the best version of themselves. A feeling of support, care and warmth is crucial to creating a workplace that feels like a safe place to bring out the best in people. Top Workplaces prioritizes the well-being of its employees, offering robust support systems and resources for personal and professional development. Employees often report feeling cared for by their colleagues and leaders, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a common goal.

Teamwork creates community in the workplace. The power of collaboration cannot be overstated in Top Workplaces. Employees consistently emphasize teamwork and collaboration, where individuals are encouraged to bring their unique skills to bear on collective goals. These organizations actively encourage friendly interactions, fostering open communication and a sense of belonging. The notion of being part of a work “family” is a recurring theme, highlighting the deep bonds formed beyond professional obligations. This spirit of collaboration improves productivity and promotes a feeling of shared success.

Additionally, positivity and flexibility are common descriptors of Top Workplaces. Positivity is contagious and the best workplaces thrive by creating environments that exude optimism and fun. Employees often express that their workplace prioritizes a positive atmosphere, making the workday more enjoyable.

Flexibility is also a common thread regarding where employees work and how they perform their work. Organizations recognize the importance of work-life balance and provide options that allow employees to decide how to accomplish their jobs.

Employees’ descriptions of their best places to work paint a vivid picture of organizational cultures that prioritize inclusion, support and teamwork. As more companies strive to emulate these traits, the future of work promises to be a more inclusive, supportive, and fulfilling landscape for employees in all types of work.

Lisa Black is director of data science at Energage, an employee survey company based in Philadelphia. Energage is the survey partner for Top Workplaces.