Almost everyone has, at one time or another, had a job that didn’t make them happy. The reasons for being unhappy aren’t really all that important, but the results of being unhappy at work can be detrimental for both the employee and the company as a whole. In fact, Johna Revesencio of Fast Company reports that a study done by the University of Warwick found that happy employees create a 12 percent more productive company.
If your employees aren’t happy at work, you’re missing out on a huge chance for a more productive workforce and business in general. But what can you do as a business owner to have happier employees? Here are three tips for creating a happier work environment that will be conducive to a much more productive company.
Give Your Workers Autonomy
While you may think that your workers would be happier with easier jobs and more time spent not working, Business News Daily actually found that what employees really want is more freedom to do their job the way they want, regardless of how hard the tasks are. Too much micro-managing can make your employees feel like you don’t trust them or think they are incompetent. By simply giving your employees their objective and then allowing them the autonomy to accomplish that objective however they see fit, you will see the happiness and productivity of your employees increase exponentially.
Create a Space to Let Off Steam
Although your employees feel more secure when they’re able to accomplish their tasks in their own way, they also need some time throughout the day to let off steam and refocus their mind on their work. According to Dr. Mani, a contributor to Entrepreneurs-Journey.com, having a specific place to relax at work will help your employees be less stressed, more creative, rejuvenated and focused, making for happier workers.
The space you set aside for your employees to relax and let off steam doesn’t have to be extravagant. It could simply be a few couches away from their workspace that gives them a chance to chat with each other while they refill their coffee. However, you could also create a more definitive space that lets your employees let off emotional as well as physical stress, like setting up spin bikes or a basketball hoop for employees to use at their leisure.
Show That You Value Your Employees
Just like your employees aren’t seeking for the easiest way out of their work in order to be happy, they also don’t necessarily need a higher salary in order to feel valued. According to Forbes.com contributor The Muse, employees feel more valued by their employer when they’re given respect as individuals and challenged for added improvement. Employers can help their workers feel valued in this way be showing them how much the company needs and appreciates their work. This type of value will make your employees feel much happier at work, resulting in a more productive workforce.
If you feel like your business is suffering from a lack of productivity from your employees, you may want to reassess just how happy your work environment is. By using the tips mentioned above to boost the happiness of your workforce, you can also boost the productivity of your business.
Originally posted on December 7, 2015 @ 7:09 am