The Drivers of Workplace Excellence

by Kerry Larkan on March 9, 2010

Ever wonder what makes some companies so successful? Wonder no more.

The Australian Center for Industrial Relations, Research and Training at the University of Sydney undertook a study on the best workplaces in Australia. From the results, the center compiled a list of 15 key drivers for achieving workplace excellence.
How does your own company measure up on these?

1. Quality working relationships
The way people relate as friends and co-workers, support each other and get the job done.

2. Workplace leadership
How the immediate supervisor, team leader, manager or coordinator presents to their subordinates – focus on leadership and energy, rather than on management and administration.

3. Having a say
The way people participate in decisions affecting the day-to-day business of the workplace.

4. Clear values
The extent to which people can see and understand the overall purpose and individual behavior expected at work.

5. Being safe
The level of personal safety people feel, both physically and psychologically – a sense of stability and of being protected by the system.

6. The built environment
The quality of the physical work environment – comfortable, user-friendly, with visual appeal and a high standard of accommodation.

7. Recruitment
Getting the right people to work in the location, people who share the same values and work ethic as the rest of the group.

8. Pay and conditions
Levels of income and physical working conditions (hours, access, travel, etc.) – met to a standard employees perceive as reasonable.

9. Obtaining feedback
Always knowing what people think of each other, their contribution to the success of the place and their individual performance over time.

10. Autonomy and uniqueness
The organization’s capacity to tolerate and encourage differences – people have the sense they’re the best at what they do.

11. Sense of ownership and identity
People take pride in the workplace and in their contribution to it, feeling they know the business and control the technology.

12. Learning
Ability to learn on the job, acquire skills and knowledge from everywhere, and develop a greater understanding of the entire workplace.

13. Passion
Energy and commitment to the workplace, high levels of volunteering, excitement and a sense of well-being – people actually want to come to work.

14. Having fun
A pleasant, psychologically secure workplace where people can relax with each other and enjoy social interaction.

15. Community connections
Being part of the local community and feeling the workplace is a valuable element in local affairs.

Looking at your own company, how does it measure out in terms of these 15 categories? What areas is it strongest in? Weakest in? Give some thought to your three weakest excellence areas. Brainstorm four or five things you might do for each weak category to shore up that sagging sector.

Circle the best ideas you came up with. Then the most important question: what you will do to implement them?