Making workplace better is a never ending process. Having a checklist of different practices and behaviors to take notice of eases the task by providing a starting point in inspect phase of inspect&adapt cycle.

It’s not a complete list, but it’s a start. It’s beneficial to create such list as a team- or company-wide activity to start a conversation about workplace. Like everything, it has to be adapted to your needs and situation. Some businesses may not have a need for some items, others may have a need for more.

Checklist

Office life

  • There a place to talk together as a team.
  • Furniture is ergonomic, comfortable and allows for movement.
  • Light is mostly natural, there is airflow and temperature is comfortable.
  • There are plants, they are taken care of.
  • Open areas are functional and allow for collaboration between teams.
  • Flip charts and whiteboards are available.
  • It’s okay to have personal items on your desk.
  • There is a place to relax and be alone when needed.
  • Reasonably flexible working hours support work-life balance.

Communication

  • We treat each other with respect and kindness because we are all humans.
  • We talk to each other in the team freely and openly.
  • We know each others strengths.
  • We use tools that allow for effective communication.
  • We use asynchronous communication when possible.
  • We have no problem with voice/video calls in the team.
  • External communication is transparent.
  • In general, we have “best practices” guides for reoccurring situations.
  • We have a way to give feedback to each other and feel safe doing so.

Team building

  • Within our team, we share all required skills to deliver our project.
  • We have fun working together as a team.
  • We have a way to resolve conflicts.
  • Our team developed its own rituals.
  • We are autonomous in our decision-making as a team.
  • We are open to new team members.
  • New person is getting help, and is taken care of.
  • We know our team’s mission and vision.
  • We have a way to measure our performance, and we do it regularly.
  • Our team goals are achievable and measurable.
  • We have sense of camaraderie in our team.

Personal development

  • Learning is encouraged and supported by the company.
  • There are opportunities to learn new skills in everyday work.
  • My work allows me to grow as a person.
  • It is encouraged to share my knowledge with others.
  • I got support in developing skills that are important to me and my work.
  • My manager is helping me in my personal development.
  • Career path is clear and transparent.

Performance indicators

  • There are clear goals for the company.
  • Performance indicators stems from company goals, and are suitable to the company.
  • Performance indicators are transparent and available to everyone. They are updated and broadcasted regularly.
  • Not all performance indicators are Key Performance Indicators.
  • KPIs used to reason about the effectiveness of implemented changes.
  • KPIs are not used to punish people.

Feedback

  • We have a mindset of continuous improvement.
  • We freely say what we appreciate in each other.
  • Everyone knows how to give constructive feedback.
  • There is (virtual) space to discuss our problems and concerns in open manner, that is available to everyone.
  • We have good relations with each other and we are not afraid to give feedback.
  • We learn from our mistakes and let our colleagues learn from them too.
  • There is no need to be afraid in trying different approaches in problem-solving, even if they fail.
  • We want to be good people, not just good professionals.

Mission objectives

  • I know what my everyday responsibilities are.
  • My work contributes towards my teams objectives.
  • I understand my teams mission.
  • We know what value we bring to our clients.
  • We are proud of our work.