In recent years, employee happiness has become an increasing priority for many workplaces. Work place surveys regularly offer feedback on the satisfaction of staff, and a good employer will use this valuable information to help improve the efficiency, motivation, and happiness of the staff in their care. Here are the easy ways to create a happier, more harmonious working environment, resulting in better staff retention and a more pleasant working atmosphere for everyone.
Prioritize Work/Life Balance
The idea of a healthy work/life balance has become a key priority for many workplaces, and this is a welcome step. By showing your staff that you value their life outside of work, as well as the results they produce in work, you are indicating that you respect them as individuals, and value their time.
Work/life balance can be boosted by making small changes which can have a significant impact on your staff, such as the option to work from home, additional vacation days, and discounts for gym memberships or wellness centers. Make your workplace about more than just work. It should offer a holistic experience which cares for the whole employee.
Offer Chances To Progress
An individual development plan, or IDP, can be a wonderful way for employees to track and monitor their progress, putting them in charge of their ambitions and targets and setting out the steps they need to take to achieve these. Setting up an IDP is an excellent opportunity for employers to hear about things their staff might like to do, such as further training and professional qualifications, and to ensure that the structure is in place for them to achieve this. Employees who feel valued and fulfilled will be happier and more motivated, and part of this is encouraging them to challenge their ideas and push their plans to the next level.
Get To Know Your Team
The traditional workplace culture was somewhat stuffy and reserved, with a very bold, thick line visible between employer and employee. While it is essential to maintain professional boundaries, getting to know your team on a more personal level can help them to feel more understood and noticed. It also means you will understand why they need to rush home if their child is taken ill at school, or need a couple of mental health days during a bad anxiety episode. By developing a deeper understanding of your staff, you are seeing and treating them as people with real issues, emotions and challenges, rather than merely cogs in a corporate machine.
Make Sure They Are Supported
One of the best ways to ensure a happy workforce is to ensure that your team is supported to do their job. This assurance means that they receive the training and assistance they need to perform their role, but also means that they should be trusted to do so. As an employer, this can mean taking a step back and resisting the urge to micromanage. Trust your staff to exceed your expectations—you will likely be pleasantly surprised!