Have you ever walked into a workplace and instantly felt the energy—people smiling, collaborating, and excited to be there? That kind of workplace doesn’t happen by chance. It's built with care. Companies that lead in their industries often share one secret: they know that when people thrive, business thrives too.
Creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and energized takes effort. But the rewards—higher morale, better performance, and lower turnover—are worth it. So how do top companies make it happen?
Let’s take a look at the key ways successful companies create workplaces where people do more than just survive—they thrive.
Why Thriving Employees Should Be a Top Priority?
When people feel great at work, they don’t just complete tasks—they bring energy, ideas, and loyalty. They build stronger teams and better products. According to a report from Gallup, organizations with engaged employees experience 23% higher profitability.
That’s why smart companies like The Commerce Group treat employee experience like a top investment. A thriving workplace leads to innovation, productivity, and long-term success.
Now, let’s explore the building blocks that help companies create that kind of thriving environment.
1. They Put Health and Wellness First
You can’t do your best work when you’re stressed out, burned out, or struggling. That’s why leading companies make health a top priority. At SAS Institute, employees have access to on-site healthcare, fitness centers, and even child care. This isn’t just about perks—it’s about creating a life-friendly workplace.
But wellness isn’t just for in-office workers. Workast shares great ideas in this blog on supporting remote employees, from setting work boundaries to offering mental health days. Whether someone works in a cubicle or from their kitchen table, their health matters.
Healthy teams are happy teams—and happy teams do things in a better and productive manner.
2. They Create a Culture of Open Communication
In great workplaces, communication is honest, respectful, and two-way. Employees don’t just get orders—they’re encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share feedback.
Workast makes this easier with built-in tools for communication and tracking. Whether it’s a quick update or a team-wide conversation, their system makes sure nothing gets lost. As explained in “The Business Owner’s Handbook to Employee Well-being”, communication helps people feel safe, trusted, and included.
And when people feel like their voice matters, they’re more invested in the work they do.
3. They Support Learning and Growth
Nobody wants to feel stuck in the same place forever. That’s why companies that care about their teams offer chances to grow. Amazon, for example, runs a program called “Career Choice” where employees can learn new skills and even change career paths.
Growth doesn’t always mean big promotions. It can mean gaining confidence, learning a new tool, or leading a small project. Workast helps by tracking goals and providing clear to-do lists so employees can see their progress.
When employees grow, the company grows too.
4. They Trust Their People and Offer Flexibility
Every person is different. Some people are early birds; others are night owls. Some need quiet space to think, while others thrive in a team setting. The best companies understand this and offer flexibility—remote work, flexible hours, and even “no meeting” days.
Workast’s tools make remote work smoother with shared task boards and built-in reminders. In their blog on managing remote teams, they show how to keep trust and structure strong at the same time.
When people feel trusted to manage their time, they give their best effort.
5. They Build a Culture That Means Something
Company culture isn’t about ping-pong tables or free snacks. It’s about shared values. At Patagonia, employees aren’t just selling gear—they’re fighting for the environment. That mission brings people together and gives their work meaning.
Workast explores how to shape culture in this blog post. It shows how a clear mission, team rituals, and feedback can turn a group of workers into a true team.
When people feel part of something bigger than themselves, they take pride in their work.
6. They Celebrate Hard Work and Big Wins
You don’t need a huge budget to celebrate success. Even a small thank-you note or shout-out in a meeting can make a big difference. Top companies make recognition part of their routine.
Workast offers a great list of 20 employee engagement ideas. These include peer-to-peer shoutouts, team lunches, and even friendly challenges. Recognizing people regularly boosts morale and creates a culture of encouragement.
When employees feel seen, they feel valued—and that makes them want to do even better.
7. They Design Spaces That Work for People
Whether it’s an office or a home workspace, the design matters. A cluttered, noisy, or stressful environment can drain energy. SAS’s headquarters, for example, has green spaces, art, and natural light—all chosen to help people feel calm and focused.
For remote or hybrid teams, tools like Workast make a big difference. Dashboards, task lists, and smart calendars help organize the day. This Workast blog discusses how simple design choices lead to better productivity and happier teams.
When your environment works for you, work becomes easier.
8. They Encourage Team Connection and Belonging
The biggest predictors of happiness at work is the sense of belonging to organisation. The best companies go beyond work tasks—they build friendships, team bonds, and a sense of community.
This can mean anything from virtual coffee chats to team volunteer days. Workast’s engagement tools help leaders create team traditions, organize events, and even run team-building games.
When people feel like they’re part of something, they’re more loyal, more creative, and more likely to stay.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big
Creating a workplace where people thrive doesn’t require fancy offices or huge budgets. It starts with respect, communication, and care. Whether you're running a startup or managing a growing team, small steps—like offering flexibility, celebrating wins, or checking in regularly—can have a big impact.
Top companies don’t treat their people like machines. They treat them like people. And that makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to start building a thriving team, explore Workast’s blog on how to manage remote employees for practical ideas and helpful tools.