Researchers at the FernUniversität in Hagen have published the first representative study in Germany on the working atmosphere. The results show why it is so important for employees: we all don’t want to go to work with a stomach ache. Why do some employees feel this way? It is often due to a poor working atmosphere. Appreciation on the job, a collegial and fair working relationship and open communication form the basis for a good atmosphere. It’s not so much about nice offices or delicious food in the canteen, but about interpersonal relationships and appreciative behaviour on the part of the manager.

Hagen/Germany, December 11th, 2024: FernUni researchers PD Dr Christian Julmi, Anna Eifert, Jakob Dammert and Sebastian Wittwer from the Chair of Business Administration, in particular Organisation and Planning, have conducted a representative study with 1,000 participants to find out how important employees in Germany rate the topic. They are publishing the study in the Work Atmosphere Report 2024.

Difference between women and men

The results are overwhelming for the researchers. ‘The working atmosphere is the second most important factor when choosing an employer. For women, it is even the most important,’ report Eifert and Wittwer. Although salary remains the most important aspect, it is clear that money is no longer the all-important reason. In fact, over a third of respondents (38.3 per cent) said that they would not switch to a team with a poor working atmosphere for a better salary. The main difference between men and women on the subject is that a good working atmosphere is most important to women. For men, it is still the salary, followed by the manager and then the working atmosphere.
‘We can say that the working atmosphere is very important for both women and men and across all generations,’ says Anna Eifert. However, it is alarming that some respondents are dissatisfied with their working atmosphere and that women in particular rate it far worse than men. For some employees, their companies‘ efforts to improve the working atmosphere do not go far enough.

Does money play a role?

The researchers found that a good atmosphere is important in almost all salary brackets. For gross salaries up to 3,000 euros, it is even more important than pay. It is striking that satisfaction with the working atmosphere tends to increase as salary rises. ‘This could be due to the fact that better-paid employees often occupy a higher position in the company and therefore have more autonomy and influence within the company and are also more appreciated,’ says the researcher.

Companies should take the issue seriously

The FernUni researchers are calling on companies to stop ignoring the working atmosphere factor. ‘There are many reasons for this: In times of a shortage of skilled labour, it is crucial to create attractive working conditions so that companies can attract and retain employees. A good working atmosphere strengthens the image,’ says Eifert. ‘Our research shows how relevant soft factors are and that it’s not just hard factors that count. In fact, a positive working atmosphere helps companies to operate successfully.’ They want to familiarise employers with the topic from a scientific perspective and dispel negative preconceptions such as ‘If the atmosphere is too good, employees will stop working’. In the study, respondents stated that a good atmosphere has a positive effect on their satisfaction and that they are more motivated at work.

What does a good atmosphere mean?

For them, a good working atmosphere means that their manager and the company management in particular treat them with respect. This includes transparent communication. Important news should not spread through the grapevine. Cohesion among colleagues contributes to a positive atmosphere. ‘Even one person, whether a new team member or a new line manager, can have a direct positive or negative influence on the atmosphere,’ says Eifert. If leadership is not appreciative and there is little dialogue, this contributes seriously to a poor atmosphere. In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the abolition of home office options and coronavirus measures were points that contributed to a perceived deterioration in the working atmosphere in a company.

For a healthier and happier workforce

‘We want to use our research to sensitise companies to the topic and put the working atmosphere at the top of their agenda. A good working atmosphere cannot simply be outsourced to third parties such as a feel-good manager or a management consultancy,’ explains Eifert. Employers should take action to create good conditions. ‘These can be offers and opportunities where employees can exchange ideas or joint team-building measures.’ Companies can also work together with their employees to find a way to create a positive working atmosphere. Each individual can contribute to a good atmosphere.

Translated with DeepL_com

Originalpublication:

(https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-658-45074-8)

ImageSource: Angelina Dammert, They have the right atmosphere: (from left) Sebastian Wittwer, Anna Eifert, Jakob Dammert and PD Dr Christian Julmi conducted the first representative study on the topic of working atmosphere.