Creating a Positive Work Environment

Creating a Positive Work Environment

The social and economic conditions of child care in Canada contribute to caregiver stress. These conditions, such as government cutbacks, low salaries, and lack of recognition and training, will only be overcome through the implementation of long-range strategies.

However, there are many issues that are within the caregiver’s control and these can be addressed in their own workplace or through regulations at the provincial/territorial level. Although making changes to the work environment may require financial expenditures, the cost of creating a positive environment should always be weighed against the cost of staff absenteeism, sick-leave benefits and high staff turnover.

Maintaining a healthy work climate that supports professional growth is essential to ensure a high staff morale and sense of well-being. The chart below provides statements that can create a basis for discussion at staff meetings and with boards of directors or parent advisory committees.

How Healthy is Your Work Climate?
Collegiality Frequently Sometimes Needs Improvement
The staff are friendly, supportive and trusting of one another. There is a strong sense of cohesion and "esprit de corps" in the group as a whole.

Professional Growth
A high degree of emphasis is placed on personal and professional growth.

Supervisor Support
The staff has strong leadership, which provides encouragement, support and clear expectations.

Clarity
Policies, procedures and responsibilities are clearly defined and communicated.

Reward System
There is fairness and equity in the distribution of pay, employee benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Decision-Making
Staff is given autonomy and are highly involved in centre-wide decisions.

Goal Consensus
Staff agrees on the centre's goals and objectives.

Task Orientation
A high degree of emphasis is placed on good planning, efficiency and getting the job done.

Physical Setting
The centre's physical design helps staff carry out their responsibilities.

Innovativeness
The organization adapts to change and encourages staff to find creative ways to solve problems.

Source: Well-Beings: A Guide to Promote the Physical Health, Safety and Emotional Well-Being of Children in Child Care Centres and Family Day Care Homes, Second Edition, Canadian Paediatric Society, p.725. Original adaptation from Jorde-Bloom, Paula, A Great Place to Work -Improving Conditions for Staff in Young Children's Programs. Washington, D.C.: The National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1988.

Interaction, Vol. 16, No. 3, Fall 2002, p. 11.