Having happy staff has many benefits, not least the fact that it’s proven that happy staff are more productive, cooperative and innovative at work. As this week is International Happiness at Work Week, Darwin Gray’s employment team has shared some top tips that will help you boost the happiness and general morale of your staff. What’s not to smile about?
Work can be stressful, and considering that most people spend the majority of their days at work, it is sensible to make the workplace as supportive, enjoyable and positive as possible. Of course, there will always be a balancing act to ensure that the business needs are also satisfied, but get that right and everyone will benefit.
5 ways to boost staff happiness:
- Flexible working – historically, many employers were cynical about the potential consequences of flexible working, particularly working from home, fearing that productivity would fall. Covid forced such changes on most of us and many were pleasantly surprised by the results. The fact that normality has returned should not mean that employers should automatically revert to the status quo. If staff wish to continue to work flexibly, whether in terms of hours, days or work location, then try to accommodate their requests where feasible rather than adopting a blanket policy. Trusting your staff to manage their work remotely is empowering and can serve as a huge motivator.
- Celebrate the little wins – give your staff the recognition they deserve. Celebrate a job well done. You don’t have to get the bunting out but make sure that you let them know. Good communication is key. Showing staff that you appreciate their efforts and recognising their hard work will go a long way to making them feel more positive and generally happier at work, which in turn should instil loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Proper break spaces – consider dedicating an area in work for breaks where staff can step away from their desks/workstations. This will not only allow them an opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of their work, but encourage then to physically benefit from moving and not being truck in the same position for long periods. Staff can then return feeling refreshed, more alert and better able to focus on the task at hand.
- Leave time for socialising – work social events can be really positive for mood and morale. It will boost staff wellbeing by forming friendships outside of the workplace, and hopefully result in a generally friendlier environment when back in the workplace.
- Early finish Fridays – most workers count down the days until the weekend. Why not consider allowing your staff to head off an hour or so earlier at the end of the week, as long as there is nothing urgent that needs doing. It’s a gesture that will undoubtedly be well received and reciprocated through loyalty and effort.
Whilst the above suggestions might sound a good fit for your business or organisation, there will be legal and practical implications involved with putting some of them into practice. If you’d like a no-obligation to chat through these please get in touch with Damian Phillips on 02920 829 126 or via email dphillips@darwingray.com.
