I'd like to share how I run my office and give a bit of positivity. After many years of getting of getting dumped on, including a horrendous stint at the largest big box store in America, I'm finally in a position influence how things are run in my current work. Getting qualified people into the office isn't the easiest thing, so here is what I do to ensure I hold onto the talent that I've got:
When it comes to attendance – there is no physical time clock. We all know when the work day starts and ends. If you're going to be late, that's OK. Just let me know if you'll be more than 15 minutes late. Things happen. If you need to leave 10, 20, 30 minutes early, just go. I'm not going to make people take leave for anything under an hour.
You get a paid lunch break, go do whatever you want.
If things are quiet and you want to go for coffee or run a quick errand, go for it.
You have leave and sick time; use it however you want. No request is being denied. Even if that means no one will be in the office, the place won't burn down and things can wait. If there is an emergency, the right people can easily be contacted whenever.
If you want your dream work environment, treat people in a way that fosters it – at least once a month I'll bring in coffee and bake something for the office. We also go out to eat somewhere at least once a month where everyone is treated. We also try to find times to blow off some steam, so maybe I buy a round of drinks after work, or we take a day to go do something. One day was spend hiking, grabbing some lunch at a brewery and doing a whiskey tasting.
If you want a movie or music playing in the background, go for it.
No one is going to expect you to work late or bug you when you're off the clock unless it is something truly important. Come in, do your work and leave. The point is you need to have a good work/life balance.
Having a job shouldn't mean you're expected to be a peasant to your feudal lords. I try to do my part for the few people that work with me to keep them as happy as possible.