A supportive place to work: the impact of positive affirmations

Does your business strive to improve employee mentality? In this article, we explore the impact positive affirmations can have on your employees and the benefits they can bring to the working environment.

5 mins read
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3 months ago

​Maintaining a positive working environment is essential for both employee well-being and productivity.

A report released in 2020 by KPMG showed that 75% of senior women interviewed had personally experienced imposter syndrome at certain points in their careers. That's why it’s vital that leaders do what they can to help their team members feel more confident and empowered in their jobs.

In contrast to this, positive affirmations have the potential to improve self-esteem and resilience among employees, uplift spirits, and enhance motivation – counterbalancing imposter syndrome and helping to establish a positive work environment.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations, also referred to as positive affirmations, are phrases that, when repeated regularly, can change negative thoughts and behavior patterns. They are often used as a technique for self-improvement, but their benefits extend beyond individual growth to impact group dynamics and organizational culture. By repeating affirmations regularly, individuals can rewire their thought patterns, boost self-confidence, and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life.

As a manager, implementing daily affirmations can go a long way to helping team members stay positive and achieve their goals – in both their professional and personal lives. They can be used in a number of ways, you might write one in a Teams chat to one of your team members, or maybe you want to praise them face to face in a meeting.

They may be displayed around the office as artwork, or even on a desktop when your team members log on to their computers. Wherever they are, they promote feelings of togetherness, give inspiration and encourage camaraderie.

What are some examples of positive affirmations for your workforce?

Try using affirmations similar to the ones below throughout your day. You may start to notice your team feeling more positive and motivated.

  • You are capable of handling any task that comes your way

  • You are a valuable asset to the team

  • You are deserving of all the success that comes your way

  • You’ve got this

  • Trust in your abilities and stay confident

  • I believe in you

  • You consistently achieve high standards of work

The power of positivity

In a professional setting, maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial for employee morale, engagement, and ultimately, productivity. When employees feel valued and are optimistic about their work environment, they are more likely to perform at their best and contribute to the wider goals of the business.

Positive affirmations can make a difference in the workplace by:

Increasing motivation: they can serve as powerful motivators, inspiring employees to set and achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence in their work.

Enhancing resilience: in the face of challenges and setbacks, employees who regularly practice positive affirmations can better equip themselves to maintain a resilient mindset. This allows them to bounce back from adversity and approach challenges with a more constructive attitude.

Improving confidence: confidence is key to success at work. Affirmations help employees build self-confidence and self-belief, enabling them to take on new responsibilities, tackle difficult tasks, and assert themselves in professional settings.

Strengthening relationships: they promote a culture of appreciation and support, helping to create stronger relationships among team members and enhancing collaboration and communication across the business.

Integrating positive affirmations to support your employees

People are known to overanalyze themselves. Employers can take proactive steps to incorporate positive affirmations into their managerial routines to support their staff.  

Here are some strategies you could consider:

Provide training and resources

Offer workshops or training sessions to educate employees on the power of positive affirmations and how to incorporate them into their daily routines to help them counteract negative self-talk and build self-confidence.

Some individuals may benefit from more formal training, including leadership, communication, and coaching skills.

Lead by example

Managers and leaders should model positive behavior by considering the use of affirmations themselves before encouraging their teams to do the same. A supportive and optimistic leadership style sets the tone for the entire organization, giving some employees the inspiration they need to succeed.

Incorporate affirmations into meetings

Start meetings with a positive affirmation or encourage team members to share affirmations that resonate with them. It is also worth considering incorporating affirmations into company-wide communications, newsletters, or internal messaging platforms.

Affirmations should solely focus on celebrating achievements and strengths – and are a great way to show how much you value team members.

Create a positive work environment

An atmosphere of appreciation and recognition can make employees feel valued and respected. Be sure to celebrate achievements, acknowledge contributions, and provide constructive feedback to reinforce positive behavior and a spirit of togetherness.

Encourage employees to embrace their achievements and if need be, write them down. That way, when it comes to feeling a sense of doubt, all the proof is recorded.

Encourage self-care practices

Emphasize the importance of self-care and well-being by encouraging employees to take breaks, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that promote mental and emotional health.

Where possible, task employees with practicing affirmations to boost their confidence. These affirmations should focus on their strengths, abilities, and potential. Positive affirmations have the power to transform the workplace by helping nurture employees and their optimism, resilience, and productivity.

Ultimately, investing in the well-being and positivity of employees is beneficial for both the individuals who need that extra layer of support and care and also for the overall success and sustainability of the organization.

In the workplace, if there’s a toxic work environment, affirmations alone will not address the root cause of the issue. This is why it’s important for managers to create an inclusive environment, with equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront of the culture.

Need help filling your vacancy, or finding a suitable role for you? Our specialist recruiters can help. Contact your nearest Reed office now.

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Three tips for finding a job you’ll love
2 mins read

Three tips for finding a job you’ll love

Take a moment to picture your ideal career…Is it the job you’re in now or were you just daydreaming about greener pastures in another role or company? If it’s the latter, don’t worry. We’ve all been there. 

Maybe you’re worried that you don’t have the right skills or experience to get the job you really want, or maybe you’re not even sure about what you want to be doing but you know it’s not this. 

Whatever the reason, we’re here to help. Here are just three tips from the Life's Work course hosted by Reed's Chairman and CEO, James Reed, which could help you find a job you’ll love (and Love Mondays). 

Know what you want (what you really, really want)

It may seem obvious, but having a solid idea of what you want out of your career is the first step to getting there. 

It starts with understanding what your values, goals and strengths, and then using that knowledge to reflect on what careers you’ll really find fulfilling. What are your key skills and weaknesses? What tasks do you excel at (or dread doing)? And where do you really see yourself in the future?

Armed with these answers, you’ll feel more confident that your next career move is the right, because it matches not just what you want out of your job, but out of your life too.

Do your research

One of the most challenging parts of changing jobs or careers is making sure you land in a sector that isn’t in decline. That means digging into current in-demand and stable sectors, such as AI or education, to see where your skills might fit.

It’s also a good idea to look into the companies you’re interested in to see if your values align and if they’re financially stable. You won’t want to jump ship only to find yourself in a company you don’t like – or worse, that could lead to your job being at risk a few months down the line. 

Get networking

Or, as James Reed CBE puts it in his book, Life’s Work,– go to parties. 

The truth is the word ‘networking’ has become synonymous with things like sweaty palms at awkward social events and DMs from strangers on LinkedIn. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

When you strip it down to its essentials, networking is really about connecting with people who can help you (and vice versa). It could mean going for coffee with a friend to pick their brains about a sector you’re interested in it could mean attending an event and just getting to know people, and yes, it could mean messaging semi-strangers on LinkedIn – which can actually be really effective if approached in the right way and remember to personalize your message. 

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s a great starting point for exploring what you want to do next. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Search and apply for jobs in Switzerland now.

Who to promote: a guide for employers and managers
4 mins read

Who to promote: a guide for employers and managers

​How does your business decide who to promote? Is career progression embedded within the workplace culture or is it done in line with employee tenure?

The process of promotion should consider merit, potential, and alignment with organizational values. Meritocracy should be the cornerstone of any promotion strategy, rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's performance, skills, and contributions to the business. Tangible achievements such as key performance indicators, project outcomes, and leadership abilities, should guide this assessment.

However, merit alone does not paint the full picture. It’s important to identify individuals with the capacity to grow, adapt, and innovate and those who demonstrate a hunger for learning, a willingness to take on new challenges, and a track record of exceeding expectations. Investing in the development of high-potential individuals is key to futureproofing your business.

Promote those who show enthusiasm and excellence

Promoting individuals who embody the core values and culture of your business reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging among employees. Beyond technical skills and performance metrics, assess candidates' alignment with your company's mission, vision, and ethics. It’s usually easy to spot those who both excel in their roles and show enthusiasm for the ethos of the business – these professionals are more likely to drive positive change and inspire their colleagues.

There have been many conversations about extroverts and introverts in the workplace and the traits typical of both – some of which can sway employers to promote one group over another. Personality testing at the hiring stage or as part of professional development, can help identify individuals with the potential to go further within the business, but they can also lead to bias, so should be balanced with traditional interviews and employee performance.

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) should also be central considerations when promoting. Ensure opportunities are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic status. Actively seek out diverse talent, create inclusive promotion criteria, and address systemic barriers that may impede the advancement of underrepresented groups.

Jobseekers actively look for employers that can evidence their commitment to D&I, so it pays to promote this on all channels, including in your job adverts. Lip service is not enough – professionals will not stay long in an environment they perceive as old-fashioned and out of touch. Embracing diversity strengthens your talent pool and builds on your reputation as a progressive and inclusive employer.

Employees should have a clear understanding of the criteria, process, and timeline for promotion. Provide regular feedback on their performance and development areas, empowering them to actively pursue growth opportunities. Also, establish mechanisms for staff to raise concerns or grievances related to the promotion process.

Deciding who to promote

Look for those who demonstrate both competence and potential for leadership and growth. Here are some key attributes to consider:

Job performance

Consistent achievement of goals and targets - high-quality work output, ability to meet deadlines, and manage workload effectively.

Leadership skills

Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others - effective communication skills, both verbal and written, capacity to delegate tasks and empower team members.

Problem-solving abilities

Aptitude for critical thinking and analytical reasoning - proven track record of resolving complex issues, willingness to take initiative and propose innovative solutions.

Adaptability

Ability to thrive in changing environments - flexibility to adjust strategies and tactics as needed, openness to feedback and willingness to learn new skills.

Emotional intelligence

Empathy towards colleagues and clients - skill in managing interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and ability to regulate emotions.

Strategic thinking

Understanding of the broader organizational goals and objectives - the capacity to develop long-term plans and strategies, skill in prioritizing tasks, and allocating resources effectively.

Team collaboration

Track record of working well within a team - ability to foster a positive and inclusive work environment, willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge.

Continuous learning

Commitment to personal and professional development - eagerness to seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth, willingness to invest time and effort in acquiring new skills.

Ethical conduct

Integrity in decision-making and actions - respect for company values and ethical standards, accountability for own behavior and its impact on others.

Industry knowledge

Understanding of the sector in which the business operates - awareness of industry trends and developments, ability to apply industry knowledge to drive business success.

Final thoughts

Promotion creates opportunities for leaders to strengthen their business and should therefore be seen as an investment. No one should ever feel pressured to take on the greater responsibility that comes with promotion, but providing avenues for those who want the challenge is a win-win situation.

If you are looking for new talent for your teams, or considering your next career move, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants today.

Download our editable performance review template
4 mins read

Download our editable performance review template

The annual appraisal is considered a dying practice – but it just needs to be revived in the right way, and more importantly, undertaken more frequently, to benefit the parties involved.

With positive feedback, little and often is the best way to keep employees motivated and inspired. These reviews should be a meeting that employees look forward to because they will either receive praise or constructive feedback that will help them in their careers.

An employer who nurtures the progression of their team and shows they care about them is more likely to retain their employees than those who seem apathetic.

What is a performance review?

A performance review is an assessment of an employee’s performance in the workplace over a certain period. It is typically used to provide feedback on the professional’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. It may also include a discussion of the employee’s career objectives and provide guidance on how best to achieve them.

Is there a difference between a performance review and appraisal?

Performance reviews and appraisals refer to the same type of one-to-one meetings about employee performance and progression. The only difference lies in how they are used: ‘performance review’ connotes an informal meeting between a manager and their employee which focuses on feedback, career progression, goals, salaries and more. Appraisals, on the other hand, often refer to more formal reviews, in which the two parties might, for example, discuss salary.

While other performance review templates will have a firm structure, our template can be used periodically, as needed for any type of one-to-one or group discussion regarding goals and areas for development and tailored to the employee. It is fully editable and customisable.

What should be included within a performance review?

Performance reviews can cover any area of concern employees wish to discuss that might help them improve their work, productivity, skills, or prospects. This might include their progression, goals, salary, benefits, upskilling opportunities, wellbeing and more. The content, context and frequency of the review should be a mutual decision, but the focus should be on the needs of the employee.

Usually, there should be some structure to the meeting in order for both parties to benefit. Our performance review template can be used to cover specific areas for the employee’s development and build a progression plan.

What questions should a manager ask as part of a performance review?

Performance review questions should prompt the employee to speak openly and honestly about their performance and any concerns they have.

Here are some performance review question examples:

  • What do you hope to achieve by the next review?

  • What do you feel you have done well / how do you feel you’ve developed since the last review?

  • What do you feel you could have done better and why?

  • Do you have any additional feedback or suggestions for me?

  • What are the different types of performance review?

Performance reviews come in various forms

From self-assessments and one-to-ones to wider evaluations by multiple colleagues. Here are the main examples:

  • Traditional performance reviews involve a manager assessing the performance of their employee, but feedback can go both ways. When an employee evaluates the performance of their manager, it is known as upwards feedback.

  • Self-assessment reviews are undertaken by the individual employee and give them a chance to reflect on their performance from a different perspective, perhaps more objectively.

  • Peer reviews enable colleagues to share their perspective of another’s contribution to the team.

  • 360-degree reviews involve more than one assessor, resulting in multiple points of view in one review.

Employee performance reviews can happen as frequently as they need to for the best outcomes: perhaps monthly, annually, or quarterly. Individuals may be suited to a mix of the above reviews, according to the level of support needed.

Each type of performance review mentioned above can be facilitated by our appraisal template.

The benefits of conducting performance reviews

Regardless of how frequently they’re performed or who is reviewing whom, regular performance reviews offer many benefits. If done well, there are no downsides.

The overall benefits are:

  • Ensuring employees understand their role and your expectations of them

  • Determining to what extent employees are meeting those expectations

  • Providing support and having an honest discussion

  • Acknowledging and rewarding good performance

  • Nurturing your employees’ career progression

  • Increasing engagement and longevity

Making time regularly to discuss anything and everything is crucial for transparency and building trust between a manager and their employee.

Examples of effective performance reviews

The most effective performance reviews are those where the person comes away with SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound) goals to help them improve in some way before the next review.

In any employee review form, there must be structure, but there should also be flexibility to adapt it to the needs of different employees.

The fundamentals of a performance review are:

  • Setting SMART goals

  • Honest and constructive feedback

  • A safe space for two-way communication and trust

  • Appropriate praise and recognition

Our template provides space to outline key areas of success, development, and focus, to give feedback on skills, and create an agreed action plan with objectives to meet before the next review – whether that’s monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Every team is different – that’s why our performance review template is adaptable to your own requirements.

Whether you’ve completed many performance reviews in the past, or have yet to conduct one, our template can help you provide the best experience for your employees.

Get started with our free template today – download it now.