Then there's the intrinsic sort of motivation that originates within people themselves. Needless to say, it's the second variant that you should be targeting in your employee management – and you can do it by keeping workers happy. Here are 6 creative ways to help you make your employees happy and productive.
1. Be flexible
The nine-to-five office culture is experiencing a slow, but certain death. People who are expected to work hard and complete projects shouldn't be chained to their desks. With mobile connectivity, they can do their job everywhere – and you should allow them to benefit from flexible work options.
It can mean many things, from telecommuting to extended leave time or compressed work weeks. Employees like to have that type of freedom because it allows them to build a healthier work-life balance. And we all know that this is key to employee satisfaction and happiness.
2. Provide a challenge
Nothing boosts employee engagement and motivation like completing a challenging task. Offering employees various responsibilities that require them to stretch and improve their skill sets and knowledge is a great strategy for keeping them happy. Make sure to let them know that they're doing a great job and encourage them to try again when facing a problem. Inspire them to grow professionally and empower them to drive their intrinsic motivation.
3. Encourage employees to do sports
Exercise isn't only about staying fit and healthy – it also helps to promote a more positive outlook on life, effectively boosting our mood and well-being. Intense exercise releases endorphins into our bodies – and these power happiness and positivity.
Encourage your employees to walk away from their desks for at least half and hour each day and provide them with opportunities for exercising – be it through gym memberships or collective sports-themed outings. Sports help to alleviate the tension and reduce stress, effectively motivating employees to face challenges with a fresh mind and genuine enthusiasm.
4. Create a relaxed work environment
What does a relaxed work environment exactly mean? It's a place where workers can easily take a break, have a nap, or catch up with their social network. A stifling and strict work environment isn't productive because it doesn't offer opportunities for relieving the stress associated with work.
Naturally, relaxation has its limits as well – you don't want employees to forget that they're here to do their jobs. Keep it balanced by providing workers with enough fun or social time to keep them happy and give them freedom to boost their creativity.
5. Optimize meetings
The last thing your employees want to be part of are long, boring and unproductive meetings. They need to get lots of work done and meetings which drag on forever aren't the best use of their time. Limit meetings and find other ways for boosting team communication.
Online collaboration tools and simple informal check-ins are just great for providing a forum where employees can ask questions and have their concerns addressed. Your employees will appreciate the effort you put in to respect their time and energy – and consequently, they'll be much happier.
6. Pamper them
Have some delicious snacks delivered to the office on Friday afternoons. Take your employees out for drinks after a heavy day at work. Book them parking spaces on apps like Divvy to make their lives easier. Have a massage therapist come in and give everyone a moment of ultimate relaxation. Pamper your employees to show that you value their presence and input.
Happy employees are great employees. They're more productive and creative. They're also better leaders and team players. Spreading happiness around the office, you'll reduce stress, burnout and employee absenteeism.
Happy employees will be less preoccupied with themselves and their unfulfilled needs, and more focused on the work at hand, effectively helping your company in reaching its business goals.
