Employees are the motor that keep your metaphoric car running. Rocket science or not, there is research done to prove that happiness has an effect on employment productivity. As a matter of fact, even with the eye-opening statistics, many companies refuse to see the impact employee happiness has towards the workplace, but don’t just take my word for it. Gallup-Healthways estimates that America is losing an astounding amount of money in lost productivity, as much as $300 billion per year. If that does not make you feel like there is room for improvement, then I don’t know what statistic will. For the most part, many business owners believe that it takes raises and constant bonuses to keep your employees happy, but that is not entirely true. Here are a few cost-effective ways to keep your employees happy.
Employee Development
Research shows that employees are more apt to staying with a company when there are development opportunities. Maria Kraimer, associate professor at the University of Iowa, told BusinessNewsDaily, “We found that providing developmental support, such as training opportunities and career mentoring, to employees who do not believe there are attractive career opportunities for them within the company, led to such employees leaving the organization.” Employees quickly become unhappy when their job becomes a routine in which they will not see a way out of. Employees want to climb the ladder, contribute and learn new things.
Social Media Breaks
Studies have shown that allowing workers to roam on social media throughout the day improves their mood which translates to their productivity. This is because short breaks to surf the Internet helps workers refocus after working consecutively. Brent Coker at the University of Melbourne conducted a study and found that, “Short and unobtrusive breaks, such as a quick surf on the Internet, enables the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher net total concentration for a day’s work, and as a result, increased productivity.” This study was limited to ten minute breaks each day.
Flexible Work Options
The standard nine-to-five work hours are shifting as the business world is changing. This is one of the most rewarding options at no monetary cost. Your employees appreciate the fact that they don’t have to worry about being penalized for taking the day off for a personal matter. At the end of the day, they really weigh in flexibility as a factor that makes them stay with a company. HR World spoke with Richard Martin, president of Alcera Consulting Inc. He states, “Give a little latitude in determining work schedules and to take time for family or personal issues (such as doctor’s appointment and banking errands). As long as the employee is deserving and doesn’t abuse the privilege, this can go a long way to building trusting and mature relationships with key workers.”
Celebrate Birthdays
This is a concept that is much easier to apply in small businesses. At the end of the month host an hour long birthday party for your employees. It is important to take time from your busy schedule to recognize your staff. Buy a cake and a card, and you have just made your employee feel special and appreciated.
It’s the small things. Simply recognizing employee efforts, offering an employee of the month parking space, or simply saying happy birthday, keeps your staff happy and leads to more productivity. Ultimately, it leads altogether to a place where people desire to go into work.
