We all want to be happy, and that includes all workers. We want to be happy, we want to work in companies where happiness is a factor to be taken into account. Because when we are happy employees, it is easier for us to be happy in all areas of our lives.
Companies are increasingly taking into account the health and well-being of their employees. That is why happiness at work is so important, and projects and departments focused on and specialized in happiness are beginning to become a reality in the most innovative companies.
Why make employees happier?
- It leads to greater motivation at work, which translates into greater efficiency and confidence in oneself and in the work performed.
- Workers are less stressed.
- Greater creativity. A happy employee is up to 50% more creative.
- Reduced absenteeism. A happy and healthy employee will get sick less often, so they will miss less work, which means fewer financial losses for the company.
- Lower staff turnover, as employees will be more loyal to a company that takes care of them
- Happy employees are more decisive and tend to make fewer mistakes
- They are more accepting of change
- They have more energy and transmit more energy, which also creates a better working environment
- They generate fewer conflicts in the company because, being less frustrated, they manage to resolve them in a less aggressive and more creative way.
- A happy person is more receptive to learning new things and in less time
- Better customer service and guidance
Considering all the benefits for employees, it is worth considering a change and starting to implement measures to make happy companies a reality. In addition, all these aspects are actually a benefit for the company, as they all translate into greater employee productivity. In fact, a company can increase its productivity by up to 88% if it has happy employees.
How can you achieve happier employees?
It is true that happiness is determined by many factors and is very subjective, that each person interprets happiness differently and each employee will value being happy at work in a different way.
But of course, there are certain actions or measures that can be implemented to create change and thus achieve greater employee happiness.
- Lead by example. The atmosphere in companies is like a virus; it is contagious. Therefore, the basis must be to create a good working environment. If senior managers are approachable, respectful, open, and have a sense of humor, the rest of the employees will follow suit.
- Happiness assessment. It’s as easy as adding a section on happiness and job satisfaction to the annual employee performance review.
- Clearly define each employee’s tasks. Disorientation or a lack of specific goals leads to demotivation.
- Work flexibility. Teleworking and flexible schedules are highly valued. Employees know that they have more leeway to achieve a work-life balance.
- Reward a job well done. Praising employees for their good work automatically boosts their self-esteem and performance, but adding a reward in the form of days off, bonuses, etc., will further enhance employee happiness and commitment
- Fair pay. The reality is that seeing their paycheck at the end of each month greatly contributes to any employee’s happiness, which is why it is so important to establish fair pay for the work done.
- Reduce stress. Break rooms help employees disconnect and promote good relationships between colleagues.
- Good communication. Involving employees in the company’s news and reality builds trust in the organization. It is also positive to remind employees of the benefits of working for the company through communications.
- Genuine listening. Creating channels that promote communication and make employees feel heard will reinforce a happier atmosphere in the office.
- Organize activities that promote teamwork and camaraderie among employees in a different environment
- Promote healthy lifestyles among employees, such as providing rooms for group classes or making fruit available to employees in the office.
You don’t need to build a theme park in your offices or spend large amounts of money to create a happier company. Taking measures to improve employee well-being is undoubtedly very profitable for the company.
When employees receive fruit in the office every day, their mood improves, their defenses are strengthened, and they feel that they are working for a company that cares about their happiness.
