When employees are content at their jobs, it can make a huge difference in workplace culture and productivity. Here is a look at six different ways to make your office a happier place.
Give them time
Make sure that employees’ time is valued and intentionally utilized. This shows respect for them and everyone on the team and can lead to an increase in productivity. 28% of working adults say they don’t have enough time in the day to accomplish what they need to do. Don’t take away hours in their day.
- Make sure the office is orderly and efficient.
- Cut down on meeting times.
- Have meetings standing up or before lunch to move them along.
Let them use social media
A 2009 study shows that hone employees visit sites for personal interest, there was a 9% increase in productivity.
- While this topic is still being debated, it may be worth a try. Additional research shows that 10-minute social media breaks might make employees more productive, healthier, and happier.
Appreciate your employees
In a 2011 survey, 69% of employees said they’d work harder if they were better appreciated and recognized. If you don’t have the money for big financial rewards, show appreciation in simple ways:
- Have games in the break room.
- Provide food for the office.
- Thank specific employees after a job well done.
- Write handwritten notes of thanks after big projects.
- For remote employees, mail them a care package or set up a virtual cocktail hour.
Allow them to listen to music
Music has the ability to improve both productivity and cognitive performance in adults. Listening to music can help people manage anxiety, become motivated, and stay productive. It can also provide a source of bonding between coworkers.
- Workers who listen with headphones on say this practice can decrease distractions as well.
- In a recent survey by UK licensing organizations, 77% of businesses said music at work increased employee morale and improved the atmosphere.
Communication Constantly
To mitigate feel and concerns, over-communicate with employees. Workplace communication occurs both in-person and virtually and is part of the internal communications efforts within an organization. Staying on the same page as a team can increase motivation and provide a sense of security.
- 33% of workers are worried their pay will be cut.
- 30% are worried about getting laid off.
- 30% are worried their hours will be cut.
- Tell them about the company’s current position, how it plans to advance, and its vision.
Don’t let the rain ruin a worker’s mood
Help combat negative feelings when it’s raining with fun, indoor activities. Bring plants indoors, provide healthy snacks, and do bonding activities. Celebrate personal events and milestones to bring people together, like birthdays, new babies, work anniversaries, and more.
- 12% of workers are angrier to sadder on gloomy days.
- Play a TV show in the break room, order in lunch for your employees, or plan indoor team-building activities.
In conclusion
There are many ways to help your employees feel valued, informed, and content at work. Making sure there is a positive atmosphere will aid in improving morale and productivity.
