It is a truth universally acknowledged that the happier your employees, the more successful your company. If your employees love their jobs and the workplace, they are engaged workers who are more innovative and are less likely to jump ship. A recent article by the Harvard Business Review states that disengaged workers had 37% higher absenteeism, 49% more accidents and 60% more errors and defects. Now that’s sure to affect your bottom line.
Many businesses seem to struggle with keeping staff long-term. You often hear business owners complain or wonder “where all the good workers go”. Well, many times these situations could be avoided by simply turning the atmosphere around at the workplace. Let’s find out how to create a happy workplace that’s conducive to staff who love where they work and enjoy what they do.
5 Ways to Keep Your Employees Happy
Say Hello: Simple things like greeting your employees warmly at the start of the workday goes a long way in creating an environment that makes everyone feel comfortable. Ask them how their weekend was, enquire about the kids, have a chat about ongoing projects.
Make Work Engaging: Make staff feel that what they do at work really makes a difference. Staff need to understand the company’s mission and purpose. Make your employees part of the bigger picture. Have a team building day, have a brainstorming session from time to time, let employees see the inner workings of the business to feel connected.
Encourage Work/Life Balance: Your employees need to feel that you value their time outside the office. Give them the flexibility they need to look after their personal needs. Offer the ability to work from home or work flexible hours so that they can look after their wellbeing and that of their loved ones. Respect staff time.
Recognise Achievements: We all want to feel valued and know that our work is being appreciated. There is nothing worse than going to work every morning knowing that no one cares about what you are doing or, even worse, receiving negative feedback constantly. Acknowledge your staff members’ progress and point out the good things they do. Allow them the freedom to do a task their way. Celebrate milestones for the work that’s been accomplished.
Trust and Praise Go a Long Way: Trust your staff to do their job well. Positive encouragement will inspire your staff to deliver to the highest standards. While constructive criticism is essential to guide them, do not micro manage. When you start complimenting people’s work, you spread the good vibes and your work environment will most likely transform into a happier and more productive one. When employees feel happy and valued, they are also more likely to stick around!
