Software development is an interesting job. I once explained it to someone as a job where you have to create things but without feeling like you have to so you don’t end up cutting corners or adding too many. I think the work environment plays a huge role in how well each developer can walk this tightrope.
I think when most people think about a good work environment, they think about amenities, like employee lunches, a game room, a gym, and so forth. Things which also play a key role are the application of project/task management strategies, coworker interaction and career management. All these things of course thought about from the perspective of the developer.
In my opinion, the ideal work environment only one aspect: an environment conducive to work. This sounds obvious, but it’s how such an environment is created that is tricky.
I think it is created by having the following 5 things:
- Trust. People were hired for their ability to contribute to the company’s goals. Blind trust is needed to avoid comparing yourself to your coworkers.
- Respect. True mutual respect between employees should eliminate office politics and corporate climbing. No talking up or down, but a collaborative atmosphere.
- Freedom. Hiring an employee is equivalent to paying them for their time spent engaged in contributing to the company. Historically this has been defined as being 8 hours of the day, but this should just be considered a standard for calculating salary. With properly managed tasks, this shouldn’t mean 8 continuous hours, but 8 “however-you-want-to-organize-them” hours.
- Focus. Employees at work shouldn’t have to worry about mundane things like where to go on coffee breaks or what to eat for lunch. The more the company can do to answer routine problems, the better it will be.
- Management. Having a well-defined and well-communicated approach to management let’s everyone know how things work. Developers need insight into their career paths and the ability to define their own future.
When discussing the ideal, it is important to know that while it is impossible to achieve in reality, it can be approximated. Simply put, however, it is the company’s duty to provide an environment where employees feel comfortable coming to and working on what they love.
Leave a comment