The workplace is a modern-day jungle where the air is perpetually filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of clacking keyboards. But did you know that even some of the busiest companies don’t depend on unnecessary to-do lists and soul-sucking office hours to boost productivity?

Recently, Dragon Edge Group (DEG) the company behind the popular Beach Hut Sunblock was certified as a “best place to work” in the country for 2023 by Best Places to Work, a world-renowned company certification program in partnership with Best Companies Group. DEG was lauded for its unique and innovative culture that spills into professional relationships. 

What’s the secret of great workplaces? It’s easy to identify what they look like if you know the signs to watch out for. Here are just some of these company green flags:

Compassionate co-workers

Workers are more than just their job titles. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and when colleagues show empathy and concern, it fosters a sense of belongingness that can make all the difference. In a compassionate work environment, co-workers listen to each other’s concerns, offer help when needed, and never forget to celebrate each other’s successes.

Supportive leadership

A company without good leadership is like a rudderless ship – aimless and lost. Supportive leadership entails trust and equipping team members with tools and resources to work individually or with little management. It doesn’t matter if the manager is handling a small team or not. They know how to navigate probable crises, facilitate relationships, and consider other perspectives before making decisions, among others. 

Collaborative culture

Another hallmark of a positive work environment is collaborative culture. Collaboration encourages healthy competition, as employees work to build on each other’s ideas and achieve better results. It also allows for personal growth because everyone learns from their colleagues and gains new skills through teamwork.

Open communication

Successful companies run on open communication. We’re not only talking about memos, meetings, or emails, okay? You feel a sense of transparency ingrained in whatever circumstances because the company doesn’t want anybody left blindsided.  Feedback is seen as a tool for growth rather than punishment, and mistakes are considered opportunities to learn and improve. As a result, employees learn to develop a stronger sense of trust with one another, faster problem-solving, and a healthier work environment overall. You know everyone’s on the same page, and there are no hidden agendas or surprises lurking around the corner.

Opportunities for career growth

Anybody who embarks on their chosen field dreams of moving up the career ladder. And a company that takes time to provide opportunities for its employees to succeed professionally and personally deserves all the praise. However, career opportunities aren’t just limited to promotions. It may also include access to skill training, mentorship and development programs, or salary increases. In DEG’s case, employees are given a chance to learn from the best by getting their Master’s degrees from prestigious universities, like Ateneo Business School and Wharton School.

Healthy work-life balance

After the COVID-19 pandemic put everyone’s lives on pause for over three years, more employees are seeking workplaces where a healthy work-life balance is a priority. In fact, many consider working from home as the new norm. Although there’s no clear-cut model of what balance looks like, workers shouldn’t feel they’re like robots, required to complete tasks 24/7. There’s a culture of wellness and productivity that benefits everyone. Employees are also encouraged to have a life outside the office — bond with family and friends, do hobbies, binge Netflix, you name it.

Empowering and positive values

It’s like a rite of passage for employees to hear the company’s values on their first day. But are these values actually embodied in the company or is it all just lip service?  An organization could preach about inclusivity and opportunities all day long, but they’re just empty words unless you see and feel them in the workplace. Companies who actually walk the talk motivate employees to excel because they believe that their work is actually making a difference. 

The company’s success is felt by all

Companies that are truly committed to excellence build focused on building success that benefits all employees. This means everyone’s encouraged to be proud of their work and are given the resources needed to thrive. When workers feel their work is appreciated, they’re more likely to feel motivated, inspired, and committed. 

Work environments should be built on a foundation of trust, respect, and care. They should not only foster collaboration but also provide opportunities for career growth, open communication channels, healthy work-life balance, and empowering values. When these conditions are met, everyone in the organization can look forward to a culture of success and experience the joys of working together as a team.

Do you recognize these company green flags in your workplace?

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