Introduction
Working in Niger Delta area of Nigeria has a lot challenges attached to it. No matter the societal occupational sector one finds him or herself. Due to the nature of the environment, terrain and people, working in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria demands people made of optimum mental state, psychological well-being and astute discipline. This is because on a daily basis, issues arise that test the characteristic nature of every worker in the Niger Delta area. These issues range from traffic congestion and clogging; careless commercial motorcyclists; and the general aggression, rudeness and possessive atmosphere of people who have felt cheated by non-indigenous affiliated companies for many years. However, working in the Niger Delta, can be less stressful if some simple working principles can be imbibed and practiced. These working principles have been practiced and monitored in my company with an overall increase in produce and staff work rate. I think it would be beneficial for other companies who observe a generally moody wave amongst her staff which is affecting their rate of work or people who work in a similar environment. Such working environments would also witness a reduction in sick leaves and absenteeism. These tips are hereby explained.
1 Encourage Smiling at the workplace
A genuine smile is like medicine to the soul. It lights up the inner body and drives out anger, sorrow and unhappiness. It immediately relaxes the muscles and brightens the face. A genuine smile attracts people to you like a magnet attracts a piece of metal. A smile they say keeps old age away.
2 Make Your Working Environment Attractive
The environment can be referred to as the total surroundings of an individual-in this case, working environment. The physical environment is made up of air, water, earth surface, plants, animal and people. It is wise to keep our immediate physical environment clean. This is because a clean environment is a representation of one’s attitude towards cleanliness. Clean environments help keep our minds relaxed and draw positive attention from people. A clean environmental practice generates positive comments from people and such an individual is looked at as a coordinated, hygienic and purposeful person. Above all, a clean environment reduces our exposure to diseases. So, you may want to keep your immediate physical environment clean.
3 Encourage the Use of Gratifying Phrases
“Thank you” is common word most people take for granted. It is mostly used to demonstrate appreciation of a deed, gesture or complement from someone. The phrase “thank you” is as important as other words in the same category like Please, Sorry etc. When said appropriately, the phrase “thank you” goes a long way to speak volumes immediately about a person’s attitude for appreciation. It makes people want to have an encounter with you again. If you are having problem in using these gratifying phrases, you may have to put them into use and see the difference it might make within and around you.
4 Staff Dressing Should Portray Corporate Identity
Depending on the type of functions an office is established for, there are different kinds of offices. As offices differ in functions, size and personnel; so also dress codes differ for various offices. Any corporate organisation would expect its personnel to be dressed ‘corporately’. Banks for example, expect staff to be well dressed, especially in a corporate way, to give a serious business like impression to customers. Engineers who embark on field work often dress in jeans or chino trousers and comfortable T-shirts or polo shirts to avoid discomfort. Examples of differences in dress codes for offices are endless.
The way one dresses to an office environment is very significant because it goes a long way to speak about ones readiness to work. For instance, if someone put a considerable effort in looking corporate, it implies passively that the person might be ready to put a good effort in getting a job done. It is wise to dress corporately to in a corporate environment as this portrays a business like environment. Except dress down Fridays recognised in most corporate offices today in Nigeria, every corporate individual is expected to appear corporately dressed from Monday to Thursday. Finally, this uniformity in dressing fosters unity and gives each staff a sense of belonging.
5 Effective Verbal and Oral Communication
People from different geographical, social, religious and ethnic backgrounds can be found working together in an office environment for a common goal. Communication is the binding factor between people in offices such as the one described above. Effective verbal and oral communication goes a long way in ensuring a good two-way information flow, builds a cordial relationship among staff and enhances the achievement of set targets. The most frequently used form of communication in an office environment is oral communication. This form of communication does not require any formal procedure but should begin in a manner of approach that is not considered offensive by the other party. Thus, it is very important that some level of respect is attached to oral communication to get the optimum results from staffs.
6 Relaxation
To relax simply means to relief oneself from mental or/and physical work to rest the body. Relaxation is very important in that it refreshes the body and keeps away fatigue which can inhibit optimum performance. People relax in different ways. Some people lay down to listen to music; some others engage in sports and thereafter take a nap. A massage appeals to many while some people would make do with a quite stroll. What ever form or kind your relaxation may take, it is important for you to remember that you need to relax for your body to work properly. Every company should have a common room with light music and television for staff break-time activities. It is also advisable to allow staffs stay home during weekends.
By: Abah Roland
