Page 171 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

THE WHY OF WORK

or in public places and to the health and well-being of employ-
ees through wellness programs. It offers free gyms and fitness
centers in major centers. It also claims “vibrant, open office
spaces that offer exciting new environments.” 14
Health care research has shown that a nurse-friendly
environment leads to improved measures of not only nurse
retention but also patient care. The nurse-friendly environ-
ment includes safety, control, professional development,
recognition, and accountability (dimensions we highlight
in this chapter). When nurses experience these “friendly”
practices, patient care improves, as do indicators of nursing
satisfaction, commitment, and retention. 15
The University of Bristol’s leadership team implemented
a positive work environment initiative (PWE) in response
to survey results from university employees. The PWE was
built on five commitments to staff:

• • Staff support and development. This includes clearly
articulated standards and expectations as well as oppor-
tunities for development of employees.
• • Leadership and management. This includes coaching
leaders to engage employees and work closely with them.
• • Communication. This includes websites and other
information sharing.
• • Physical environment. This includes paying attention to
physical space.
• • Monitoring and evaluation. This includes regular
reporting of progress on PWE efforts.

As a result of these initiatives, university staff commitment
scores have gone up and the university was awarded the London
Times Higher Education Leadership and Management award. 16

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