A good salary and a nice office are all you need, right? Actually, not quite. In fact, research suggests that most job satisfaction hinges upon interpersonal interaction. In other words — how you feel about the people you work for and with.

Great Place to Work® Institute

But, don't take our word for it — there's actually an organization that studies work environments and is dedicated to improving society by improving workplaces. It's called the Great Place to Work® Institute and they've been perfecting the definition of what makes a "great workplace" for decades. In fact, this Institute annually names the "100 Best Places to Work" for Fortune Magazine.

Great Place to Work® Institute has defined a great workplace as being comprised of trust, pride and camaraderie.

The good news

There are already a lot of units in the University that qualify as great. Many others are pretty close. By working together, using the tools available on this site and sharing best practices, we can help every unit be great.

Some more good news

There are things each of us can do now begin improving a workplace that's not so great. As you explore this website, you'll find ideas about building positive work relationships, raising team spirit, and improving morale, that anyone can do. For instance:

• We know that good relationships are essential to good work. Take a look at this page from the University's Positive Organizational Scholarship website, about the work of faculty member Jane Dutton. She identifies many resources on understanding and building good relationships (and overcoming bad ones). In particular, you may want to check out her Compassion Lab.



• Or, if courtesy is a missing ingredient where you work, explore some resources on the importance of civility in the workplace:
  • Choosing Civility is a leading book on the subject; the website offers some excerpts free online
  • The Newsletter of the Institute for Management Excellence for November 2002 focused on workplace civility. (While you're at the site, check some of their other issues, on subjects like Respectful Workplaces, Conflict Resolution, Making Work Enjoyable, and more.)

And remember: you can do it, and we will help — contact us!

* Much of the information contained herein is an interpretation by the University of Michigan of the findings of Great Place to Work® Institute and the Great Place to Work® Model©.This information does not necessarily represent the findings of Great Place to Work® Institute. Comprehensive information on Great Place to Work® Institute research may be found at http://www.greatplacetowork.com.