The key to a successful business is a productive workforce, and the best way to boost productivity in the office is to ensure your employees are happy and feel valued. Research suggests that happy workers are 13% more productive than their dissatisfied counterparts, and 79% of workers left their jobs because they did not feel appreciated for their contributions. 

If you want to ensure your employees are productive and enjoying their jobs, there are several ways to increase happiness in the office. 

Source: fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Give Employees the Tools for Success

Ensure your employees have the right tools for the job, whether laser printer ink, stationery or a high-speed internet connection. Providing your employees with the amenities and items they need to do their job correctly can significantly reduce work-related stress. 

Keep office supply rooms, copy and printer areas and workstations well-stocked, highly organized and clutter-free. Clutter has been shown to increase stress, anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that people with tidy office spaces had better focus and higher productivity rates. 

Incorporate Technology into the Workplace

Millennials and Gen Z workers rely on their cellphones to read emails, forward files, research and receive phone calls. Using technology at work increases the opportunities to stay connected, creating a flexible work environment where employees can engage with each other. 

In a Pew Center Research study, 47% of experts believe technology is more helpful than harmful. Consider using online communication tools like Slack and Monday.com to help your employees stay connected and share documents in real-time. Use high-quality Epson inkjet cartridges for brightly colored images if your employees depend on high-resolution pictures for presentations. 

Ensure a Work-Life Balance

Employee work-life balance plays a huge role in job satisfaction and overall employee happiness. It ensures that they have flexibility between their work commitments and their family or social commitments. 

Long work hours, too much overtime and high-pressure work environments can lead to work-life imbalance. This can cause chronic stress, leading to physical issues like digestive distress, chronic pain and cardiovascular problems. It can also adversely impact employees’ mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia, eventually leading to complete burnout. 

According to a Harvard Business School Report, burnout not only impacts employees but negatively impacts your company’s bottom line. The psychological and physical effects of burnout can cost companies in the U.S. between $125 and $190 billion each year in healthcare spending.

To promote a happier workplace, regularly review your employees’ workload to determine how they manage their time. Reconsider your policies regarding time off to encourage employees to unplug. Consider implementing a four-day workweek; four-day workweek trials implemented in several countries worldwide have been met with tremendous success, with employees reporting less stress and better work-life balance.  

Source: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Set Up a Wellness Program

Offering wellness programs can help employees stay healthy throughout the year. These programs can include regular health screenings, fitness classes and catering for healthy lunches and snacks. Mental health assistance programs can also help employees cope with anxiety, depression and stress. 

Employees taking part in wellness programs experience higher rates of exercise and weight management, according to a 2019 study. Many companies offer incentives for employee participation in the programs, with some offering large incentives. In one study, companies providing financial rewards of $100 or more have a 51% employee participation rate compared to those offering smaller rewards.  

Provide a Flexible Work Schedule

Allowing employees to choose flexible work schedules is a great way to show they matter to you. It also lets people who have families and other obligations outside of work manage their time better. If an employee has children at school and needs to pick them up every day by 3 p.m., letting them start work an hour earlier enables them to focus on their work uninterrupted and greet their children stress-free.  

Many companies also let employees have a hybrid work schedule of working remotely for a few days while coming into the office in person when possible. This saves on the costs of gas and other expenses related to commuting. Furthermore, working from home can improve employee happiness and increase productivity for businesses

Offer Opportunities for Career Mobility

Employees want to see a clear path for their career development, and they’re willing to move around within the company for better opportunities. Some companies offer formalized programs to allow employees to gain new skills while keeping them on track for possible promotion.

A career development program may include rotation assignments in which they can work with other departments outside of their own for a client project. Cross-training and mentoring programs let employees connect with senior employees and management to learn how they can advance their careers and upskill their knowledge. 

Source: fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Recognize and Reward Employees’ Efforts 

Spending time recognizing employee achievements and teamwork boosts employee engagement and reduces stress in the workplace. Make sure that when you recognize employees, they are receiving awards such as plaques and trophies to show your appreciation for their efforts.

Encourage your employees to participate in corporate retreats and lunches where they can all be recognized at once. This helps create an environment of team spirit and togetherness, which is essential for morale. 

Rethink Your Office Space

The office environment plays a significant role in employee happiness. A well-equipped, thoughtful office layout can help reduce work-related stress and boost productivity; employees need to feel calm and comfortable in their work environment to produce their best work. 

According to the 2019 Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, 87% of employees would prefer their employers to provide healthier workspaces, including sit-stand workstations, health and wellness rooms, company gyms and healthier lunch options. 

Discuss potential office layout and design changes with your employees to get their input and ensure they feel their opinions are valued. Some simple changes you could make include: 

  • Adding more greenery to the office space to improve air quality and boost mood
  • Installing large picture windows to increase the amount of natural light with remote control blinds that the employees can control
  • Installing toilets that are a perfect fit for the office bathroom with the proper toilet measurements
  • Investing in ergonomic, adjustable office furniture like chairs and desks to support employees’ spinal health
  • Creating both collaborative and individual workstations so employees can choose the space that promotes the most creativity

Creating a Better Workplace for Your Employees

More companies are implementing ways to make their employees happier and create a happier work culture. By maintaining a certain amount of work-life balance and creating opportunities for advancement, employees can achieve their maximum career potential. The workplace should be more than rote tasks and management but a place where talent and collaboration can thrive. 

Similar Posts