Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
It is a known fact in business that happy employees make for a happier workplace. So if your company’s mission is to create the best working environment possible, starting with some simple steps can make all the difference. Consider these five ideas to create a happier work environment.
Communicate Goals and Values
A letter from the CEO can go a long way in establishing a sense of camaraderie in the office, mainly if you structure it as a “we” versus “I” letter. Tell employees about your company culture and why you started your business. Bringing them along side you as you work for your goals and dreams helps them to feel connected to the vision. It also helps them feel valuable and needed.
The more employees understand where you’re coming from, the better communication and company loyalty will be. You can also communicate the company’s values and what you expect from your employees in detail. This way, employees feel like they have a stake in the company and know exactly how to contribute to its bottom line.
Let Employees Work From Home
If your company is remote-friendly, allowing employees to work from home can reduce lease costs and employee turnover (when an employee can’t make it into work). It also decreases the time employees spend commuting, which results in less stress, improved focus, and increased productivity. And if you have only one location, you’re already one step ahead of most companies by not having an office with hardwood desks.
Provide Fun Workplace Activities
If you want employees to have a good time at work, don’t just provide them with the work tools they need. Equip them with the tools they need to be happy, as well. For example, you could offer yoga classes or healthy breakfasts for the employees. You can even try unique activities like a company picnic, outdoor company softball game, or even an annual potluck. As long as the activities are good team-builders and lead to more happiness and productivity among your employees, they’re worth doing.
Offer Reasonable Work Hours for All Employees
If you compensate some of your employees for overtime, do them an even bigger favor by offering flexible work hours. Some employees may have children or other obligations like school or a second job. Having a flexible work schedule that allows for these situations is a massive benefit for everyone.
Improve the Design of Your Office
Hire a designer to create a workspace that functions as your employees need it. It could include improving the ergonomics of workspaces, adding more outlets and shelves with enough room for computers, or simply replacing the desk chairs with something more comfortable.
If you want a unique look for your office, you can get custom-made office furniture from places like Civic Australia. You can also ask if employees would be interested in changing up the colors and decor of their offices. Chances are, even subtle changes like moving furniture around or rearranging bookshelves can make a big difference for your employees’ focus at work.
Summing Up
A work environment conducive to productivity and creativity is the key to excellent employee satisfaction. This article has gathered some of the best tips from various business experts who have been helping companies improve their culture, efficiency, and profitability. Remember, if you want a happier working environment, improve how your business looks, improve your communication with employees, and create meaningful (and fun!) workplace activities. So next time you are at work and feel stressed, try some of these ideas to improve your environment and be happier in the process.
