One of the biggest challenges in the modern-day workplace is ensuring workers are working hard, engaged and happy. According to a recent survey, over half of employees in the United Kingdom are unhappy in their positions. Constant unhappiness at work usually results in a hit on productivity and employees quitting. According to studies, happy workers are about 13% more productive as they work faster and use their time in a more efficient manner.
A happy environment in the workplace can boost employee engagement and productivity, improved business ROI, and greater satisfaction among the workers. There are several things employers and business owners can employ in order to boost happiness at the workplace. In this read, we are going to look at several aspects an employer should focus on to ensure employee happiness and wellbeing. If an employee appears to be depressed or stressed, offering resources and contacts for talking therapy can help employees feel valued and have a positive effect on their wellbeing.
1. Provide Flexible Working Hours
For most employers, professional and personal life remains a challenging issue, despite numerous efforts to ensure this balance for workers. While their main intention is to give the employees who feel stressed and overworked some relief, providing this balance also gives them a chance to work at their most productive and receptive. Very few are capable of doing quality work for hours and maintain their concentration and energy. According to studies, shorter working days ultimately boost productivity.
By implementing a flexible working culture and allowing your employees to take themselves in and out of the workplace, you are bound to see an improvement in both productivity and efficiency. You can easily manage flexible working with Tracktime24. If your workers are in an environment that’s not conducive for work or does not make them happier, expect the opposite.
2. Provide Learning and Development Programs
Nowadays, employees value better opportunities for professional and personal development, better flexibility, and achievement recognition over financial incentives.
Most companies have come to the realization that over 80% of workers will stay longer if they see a career path or professional improvement within the organization. However, this can be hard for employers to demonstrate, given the dissolution of conventional career ladders. By allowing your employees to explore their desired roles within your company, learning and development programs can help them see where their opportunities lie and the gaps in their skills and experience. In addition, these programs help them learn what they need in order to advance their careers.
While innovation and technology advancement has resulted in the need for constant training in almost every industry, they have also boosted the processes and platforms that allow workers to access information and improve their skills. Thanks to the introduction of advanced analytics processing and big data, HR departments can be able to automate processes such as allocating relevant content and monitoring learner progress, further helping the workforce advance their professional and personal goals.
3. Consider Employee Benefits
Employee benefits are an excellent way to boost employee engagement and happiness. From company cars to gym memberships, all these extras are perhaps the most sought-after aspect of working in a company than the normal pay. If not, they make or break an employee’s decision to stay or leave your company. Nowadays, the employment industry includes a huge proportion of Millennials who are not afraid to switch jobs every now and then. By providing appealing employee benefits, you’ll be attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry. This is a crucial move in this competitive landscape.
If your company is struggling with employee retainment, start by adding desirable employee benefits. They are a quick-win that can go a long way in ensuring your employees stay happy and that you don’t have to hire or let go a team member every now and then.
As Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, once stated, ” train individuals well enough, so they leave, treat them well enough, so they do not want to”. Every great leader in this day and age knows that boosting employee engagement, happiness and wellbeing have a substantial impact on business performance, which a top priority for every company.
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Photo by Brooke Cagle