by Chelsea Padget

Created on: October 01, 2008   Last Updated: November 28, 2011

Is there such thing as an ideal workplace? Possibly, but those are the kinds of jobs that are harder to come by. When workers find this "ideal workplace" they tend to stay for years and usually end up retiring there. So, what is an ideal workplace?

My idea of an ideal workplace:

Communication:

Good communication is essential in a workplace. There are too many places where there is very little or no communication. You end up with a group of employees that don't know what is really expected of them. A workplace that communicates directly with their employees about what is expected of them makes the job easier to do.

Mission statement:

Companies that have a clearly stated mission statement are easier to work for. It gives the employee a clear "set of rules" to go by when working with the company. A clearly written, easy to understand mission statement can help the employee know what is expected of him from the company.

Employer paid insurance:

Insurance is important for the continuing health of a companies employees. There are some employers in the United States that pay 100 percent of their employees insurance. These companies tend to have healthier employees that do not call in sick often. They also have "well checks" in the workplace that are free for the workers. This keeps the employees healthy so they miss less work.

Retirement plan:

Companies offering either a company sponsored 401 K or other type of company sponsored plan are in demand. Workers will stay long term and are loyal to this type of company. They are more willing to work overtime and on weekends when the company helps with their retirement plan. More companies are turning to these types of plans nowadays.

Paid sick days:

Companies that offer an adequate amount of sick days with pay tend to have workers who don't call in sick more than needed. The workers are also more loyal to a company that pays them when they are really sick.

Vacation time:

Companies who offer adequate vacation time usually have employees that don't call in sick frequently. Vacation time, in fact, is said to be one of the most important aspects to a decent job. Workers are more willing to put in extra overtime if they know they will get a good vacation every year. Every hard working employee deserves and needs an adequate vacation at least once per year.

Feeling valued:

In the ideal workplace, workers feel valued. The employer does things to make the employee feel valued, even if it is an occasional thank-you. These employees are the ones who will "fight" to keep their jobs.

Teamwork:

A company that encourages teamwork is a much valued company to work for. Teamwork in the workplace makes everyone's job easier. Knowing that there is always help available and someone to answer the hard question is a valuable thing to have in the workplace. Being part of a "team" can increase work production and also increase quality in the workplace.

An ideal workplace is a place that values their employees and lets their employees know it by being fair in their offerings. The above benefits make an employee feel valued. The employee feels "taken care of" in an ideal workplace. If one finds an ideal workplace, they will usually stay there until retirement.

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