It’s not only the small things in people’s personal lives that make a big difference. Small changes to the working routine or environment can have a very positive impact on motivation and job satisfaction levels. Below are 5 small things that can make a difference to the working routine.

More money equals better motivation
Money isn’t everything, of course, but it goes a long way to improving job satisfaction – especially for anyone not happy at work. There have also been a number of studies carried out that can back this claim up. For example, 67% of working men would be willing to give up their perks in return for more money, while 57% of women also said the same thing. When workers receive an improved salary they become more motivated to go the extra mile for their employer. 45% of workers believe regular, additional income would make them happier, with one in four already receiving bonuses on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

Flexible working hours
More employers than ever are embracing the idea of offering flexible working hours to suit individual workers. Leading credit service CashLady, recently highlighted that over 4 million UK workers are now working from home instead of the office. A third of employees believe time is precious to them and being able to adapt their working patterns to suit their individual lifestyles would have a positive impact on their professional and personal lives. Almost half of workers say even a paid day off on their birthday would go a long way. If employers can accommodate these sorts of requests without losing efficiency, they would see a boost in morale along with higher levels of productivity.

Free staff food
This doesn’t have to mean building a staff canteen and supplying free food throughout the day. But it can mean small things like free fruit baskets, or complementary biscuits. Even a free cup of tea or coffee is not a given in every working environment. These small respites from work provide energising moments that allow employees to refocus and return to their tasks with clarity. Knowing their employers are looking out for them by supplying these small treats shows staff they care and aren’t just there to grind through the day.

Build a supportive work culture
Working in a small team is often perceived as preferable to a working in a larger one because people believe they will receive more support. By creating a supportive culture in the workplace it ensures everyone feels valued. This gives them the confidence to share their knowledge and ideas, which can be hugely beneficial, not just for the individual and the team, but for the business as a whole.

Rewards and perks
If staff can’t be given financial rewards and bonuses for their hard work, there are other ways companies can take care of them. It can be anything from vouchers at a popular retail or ecommerce stores, or funding a night out for individuals and their partners, or for a particular team. The vast majority of workers feel more content when they know their employer will reward them. Which in the end adds value to both the company and the individual.