It's no secret that happy employees produce better work and results. Companies like Google and Apple have the happiest employees and are market giants, creating innovative products. What is their secret and how can you create a happy workspace for your employees? In fact,
over 70% of American workers are unhappy with their jobs. Here are five ways you can create a stress-free work environment.
Free Amenities & Events
Employees want to work in an environment that supports their productivity. Providing free amenities and services in the workplace is a simple way to make employees happier. Google provides a cafeteria with free gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner for its employees and free fitness classes. It also is home to some of the most creative and productive employees in the world. When employers provide great work perks, then employees will compete with their best work to beat out other potential employees in order to secure a spot in the company. This ensures that companies are hiring only the best employees that deserve to work in happy environments. Don't limit your company to just providing free amenities and services; think about hosting and celebrating events your employees can have fun in.
Allowing Employees to Engage
Most companies and employers have a message they are trying to convey to their clients and customers. It's important to also allow your employees to live and breathe your company message.
Employee engagement is vital to a business's success. Make sure your employees are passionate about conveying that message through their work. If an employee understands your company's message, this gives them room to grow and boosts their productivity and effort. Their minds should always be stimulated with great work and tasks. Let them know that they are a part of a big team working towards the company's overall goal. Conflict of interest can spell disaster, so it's best to ensure your employees understand your message and goals. If they don't, they could be stressing out about what is expected of them, especially if it's unclear.
Employee Recognition & Appreciation
When you set clear goals and expectations for your employees, you can implement a recognition and appreciation program. This sets some stress-free friendly competition in the workplace and can boost productivity. Be sure to let your employees know the criteria on which they will be judged on in order to achieve awards and honors. Picking employees at random will make them question whether their hard work is really worth it. Employee recognition and appreciation programs come in a variety of methods. Research and pick one that is right for your company and its employees.
Leaders Needed, Not Bosses
One of the most common mistakes in a workplace is putting power-hungry people in charge of honest working employees. Teams want to work under a leader who works alongside them instead of dictating and making demands. Often times, these workplace "dictators" undermine employee work, steal credit, and dump tasks on others. When placing people in managing or supervision positions, look for the
qualities of a great leader and not someone who gains "respect" through intimidation and threats.
Allow Room For Friendship
A wise man once said, "Walk and talk." Communication is second nature to humans. People do it mindlessly and without effort. Employers often think that employees who engage in conversations are focusing on talking and not working. Humans have the great ability to multitask. They can work while holding a conversation. Let your employees engage in conversations with each other while they are working. Allowing light-hearted banter takes stress off of your employees' shoulders. This will prevent them from thinking that the "Big Man" is always watching, waiting to reprimand them for having a simple conversation. Let your employees know they are in a friendly environment. You can even go as far as becoming friends with your workers, boosting their happiness.
