Everyone knows that the key to a successful business is happy employees. It’s up to them to make the products work, to sell the company, and to keep the production line moving. Easier said than done, we realise, by here’s a start; our short guide to keeping your employees happy.
FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS
Since the beginning of the pandemic, businesses around the world have embraced flexible working arrangements which seemed inconceivable pre-COVID. Now, many employers recognise that it just makes good business sense to provide flexible working opportunities for their staff.
As Forbes reports, a recent study conducted inside a Fortune 500 company “found that employees who were placed on a flexibility program were both happier at work and less prone to burnout and psychological stress than their colleagues who were not on the program”.
Indeed, documented benefits of remote working include reduced time and expense commuting, better time management, improved morale and a decrease in tardiness. Since so many companies have now completed most of the groundwork in shifting their company to remote working, it would be folly to return to old practices once this thing’s all over.
This is among the best employee reward ideas because it encapsulates so many different elements that make workers happy. For one, it shows that you trust them to get the job done without micro-managing their every move.
Read: 5 ways to encourage a productive flexible working environment
ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
In a post-pandemic world it’s essential that you cultivate a workplace atmosphere where wellbeing and positive mental health practices are placed at the forefront of everything you do.
As the BBC reports, “88% of companies in the United States are investing more in mental health. More than 80% are spending more on stress-management and resilience resources, and more than half of the companies surveyed are offering new mindfulness and meditation programmes”.
Responsible employers should have systems in place to encourage this focus on mental health. Guided meditation sessions, gym memberships, regular mental health awareness days, and a mentors and confidants system within the organisation are all great ways of nourishing a harmonious, healthy workplace.
Go further, and facilitate (and finance) any assessments, tests, and investigations that might be required. Employees who often get distracted might benefit from an adult ADHD assessment to help them understand the cause of their distractions and better manage their day-to-day tasks, whereas those who are keen to exercise more – both for its physical and mental health benefits – may well benefit from the company providing a gym membership as part of their contract.
This thing is multi-faceted, and those truly responsible employees approach the wellbeing of their staff in a holistic way.
SHOW APPRECIATION
Demonstrating appreciation for employees is fundamental to fostering a positive and motivated workforce. When employees feel valued and recognised for their hard work and contributions, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their roles. This sense of appreciation can nurture a culture of loyalty and morale, where employees are motivated to put forth their best efforts consistently.
Furthermore, regular acknowledgment of employees’ achievements and contributions can lead to increased job satisfaction, making staff feel that their work has purpose and impact within the company. You can easily get some employee recognition gift ideas from the web and start a program that will make everyone feel valued. This overall sense of value can significantly reduce turnover rates, as employees are more likely to stay with an employer who genuinely appreciates them.
Moreover, appreciation in the workplace can enhance team cohesion and collaboration. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to reciprocate respect and recognition to their colleagues, fostering an environment built on mutual respect. This atmosphere not only improves interpersonal relationships but also boosts overall productivity and creativity, as employees feel more comfortable sharing ideas and working together.
In addition, regular expressions of gratitude, whether through verbal acknowledgments, awards, or other incentives, can lead to a more positive and energetic workspace where stress levels are mitigated, and employees thrive. Therefore, appreciation is not just about acknowledging work done but also about building a supportive and thriving workplace culture.
CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Creating a culture of diversity and inclusion is essential for fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. A diverse environment enhances creativity and innovation, reflecting varied perspectives and experiences.
Start by implementing clear diversity and inclusion policies, outlining the company’s commitment and steps to promote inclusion. DEI programs in the workplace on unconscious bias and cultural competence can help employees understand the importance of diversity and how to foster an inclusive environment.
Encourage open dialogue through employee resource groups (ERGs), diversity councils, and town hall meetings. Review recruitment practices to ensure they attract a diverse pool of candidates, using diverse interview panels and unbiased job descriptions.
Mentorship programmes can support the career development of employees from diverse backgrounds, providing guidance and advocacy for their advancement. Regularly assess the effectiveness of diversity initiatives through employee surveys and diversity audits.
KEEP EQUIPMENT WELL MAINTAINED & LOOKED AFTER
Showing employee appreciation isn’t, as the team at Swag Bar sagely point out, only about doling out praise and the occasional bonus. Even more importantly, it’s about keeping equipment well maintained and looked after to help your employees feel safer on the shop floor. By getting equipment regularly checked and maintained, you can help ensure that your employees will be happy about the conditions within their workplace. Making sure that you have the right equipment is essential.
Using equipment that can increase production speed and efficiency will lead to increased productivity and morale. As the guys at Fluent Conveyors tell us, this is a win-win situation for both you and the people who work for you.
PROVIDE THOROUGH TRAINING & TOP-UP COURSES
It’s vital that as a responsible employer you continue to nurture any employee’s development, particularly with regard to mentoring. Providing thorough training and top-up courses can be another way to make sure that your employees are confident in their jobs. Whether you choose to complete the training in-house, or you decide to let your employees use software to get their qualifications remotely, providing relevant training can bring plenty of benefits to your business.
Not only does training attract talent, but it also encourages people to do a better job of the tasks they are given, as it makes them more organized and prepared to complete their roles. Top-up courses that update knowledge and certifications are likely to encourage employees to stay too with the company, which will help your business’s employee retention rates.
STAY ORGANISED & KEEP YOUR STAFF INFORMED
Staying organized and keeping staff informed can be a great way to make workplace communities stronger and keep people happier. It can help the overall flow of your business massively, too. The organisation is one of two key functions of running a business, and everything will fall apart without it.
Communication is the other key function. Communicating plans and features with your employees keeps them in the loop, meaning that they can work more efficiently on their own projects, without needing to think about other people. Conversely, bad communication can lead to uncertainty and hesitancy, which can only have a negative impact on your business.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When it comes to making your employees happier, you want to make sure that you have these key points ticked off. You need to make sure that they have the right tools and equipment available to them, provide thorough training as well as refresher courses, and keep your business organized and communications smooth. By doing this, you can make your employees happier, and therefore make your business better.