They say the best way to build a productive workplace is to have happy, motivated employees. Surely Google, Facebook and a significant majority of new generation companies at Silicon Valley know this. But is having happy employees a testament to the number of bowling alleys and swinging hammocks at your company? Well, yes…and no.

There’s no disputing the fact that a laissez-faire-like workplace fosters freedom to think and create magic. In fact, colourful environments form the basis of most advertising agencies who need the ambience for staff creativity. However, productivity is a lot more than physical decorations and playrooms. It is also a product of the mindset of the individuals in the company.

It doesn’t matter how many tennis courts or slippery slides you stuff into your company space, if your employees don’t feel appreciated, they will bounce.

According to this article by Punit Renjen, a healthy workplace culture is one where employees and executives can act as one. In other words, every member of staff should have a say in the company, from the interns to the chief executive.

So, how do you build that kind of work environment that takes a strong bottom up and top down approach?

1.    Hire happy people

This will take quite some thought and preparation. First of all, how do you know a ‘happy’ person? It is natural to be blown away by a person’s experience and credentials; and you are right in wanting such qualities at your company. But if that person has a toxic personality, it could affect other members of the team.

The best candidate on paper could be your worst employee in the office. While you assess their accomplishments, you will also do well to look out for intangibles. Are the people persons? Do they make great team players? Are they positive-minded? Sometimes, you can tell a happy person by simply listening to what they say. Here are more ways to hire happy.

2.    Adopt a community minded workstyle

A sense of community among your workers will go a long way in fostering happiness. Try adopting a culture where people say “hello”, not just for the sake of it, but because they genuinely care. Communities are built on the foundations of empathy and emotional intelligence.

I have been to offices where employees addressed each other as Mr. X or Mrs. Y. While there is nothing wrong with according respect, it comes off as too formal for a workplace. Addressing colleagues by their first name eliminates barriers and encourages professional intimacy.

3.    Light up the place

This may sound obvious, yet many companies don’t practice it. Creating an environment that enjoys lots of natural light has a positive effect on the way people work. How is the floor plan for your company? Do you still use the traditional cube farm? Or a more open plan design? Today’s alternative workplace favours the latter.

There is nothing wrong with a cubicle-style office, as long as it is not too dark or boxed up. If your office building is situated between tall buildings that prevent natural light, you can light up the room yourself. There are specialised LED lights from My LED Lighting Guide. They are also effective for warehouse office plans.

4.    Break the workplace routine now and then

Every company has its goals. Sure, you may have strategies to meet that sales target or win that million-dollar client account before the end of the year. But it doesn’t get any harder if you take some time off to breathe. Sometimes, taking a tunnel vision approach to work goal(s) can prevent you from participating in team building activities.

Organisations that operate like a sweat shop have been proven to be less productive than their more flexible counterparts. Be sure to organise activities such as company sporting events, or a trip to a national park. Even having something as easy as Movie Friday can go a long way to encourage bonding.

There are many ways to give your office environment an exciting atmosphere. The most important thing to consider are your employees. The more comfortable they are, they happier they will feel at work. This translates to productivity and overall success of the company.

Are you starting your own company or looking to revamp the culture of an existing one? Try some of these tips and see how effective they can be.