Gone are those days when the word “Employee Satisfaction/Employee Engagement” was not of any critical significance. However, it has now become important that employees feel satisfied/engaged.
Satisfied/Engaged Employees lead to higher productivity, better morale, and better business culture.
Although the company's efficiency and sales are important, none of them can take place without Satisfied/Engaged Employees. As such, innovative approaches to ensure employee satisfaction are continuously being looked at by the top businesses. The following are the ways in which a Company can integrate happiness into the workplace:
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Maximize your Office Space - First things First, the office space in which the employees work does matter on the job they do. An office's physical layout can influence the happiness and efficiency of the employees, so a Company should work hard to set them up for that initial success. There can be a variety of built-in features in an ideal workplace, including windows (to prevent artificial light), green plants for a natural feeling, and safe breathing air.
In addition, having both individual and collaborative desks available when it comes to the physical workspace can give your staff the ability to choose which space best aligns with their work style. While some people work best in a quiet and isolated environment, others work better to bounce ideas off and white noise when surrounded by individuals. The best solution for all workers is an office that offers both.
You should also make sure that you have the appropriate tools in your office. This involves a supply room with all the necessary office supplies for your staff to use when necessary such as pens, sticky notes, paper, staplers, paper clips, etc. You should also have a kitchen or breakroom where they have the access to healthy food choices or snacks or store them.
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Allow Growth - When there is no space for progress, it's difficult to sustain enthusiasm and productivity. What often keeps workers working in a job is the next big promotion or raise, but if the employees never feel like they will change or get the next move, then why will they work harder every day? Why wouldn't they just sit and waste time at their desks? Will you be satisfied with a job in which you feel you can't step up? DEFINITELY NOT! Right?
To ensure that employees feel that they have space to take risks, struggle, get help, change, and develop, it is important to enable growth in your business. Give the workers a clear guide about how they will look for the company's growth and make sure they know it's open. It is one of the easiest ways to guarantee constant satisfaction and encouragement.
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Offering Appreciation - We are shown from the time kids go to school that a little gratitude can go a long way. That's why when kids reach milestones in their life, we celebrate it to appreciate them. Develop and implement the same form of policy for your employees at your company. Also, believe that giving them gratitude for their hard work is how you can ensure that in their jobs they feel happy.
Everyone wants to get acknowledgment for their hard work. Appreciate your employees with a simple or pleasant gesture such as stopping by their desk and saying "Keep up the Good Work!" or give your conscientious employee a special note and flowers.
If you want to inspire your entire workforce consider holidays, parties, and breaks for their birthday celebrations. You should also consider providing incentives and reviewing their applications for rises. Don't be afraid to express your gratitude for a job well done in a professional way.
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Offer Benefits that fit their needs - Make sure that you interact with your workforce and come up with a proper benefit plan for them. The secret to their satisfaction could be to maintain relationships with your workforce and maintain an employee wellness program. An Employee Wellness Programme can include Paternity and Maternity Leave, Medical Insurance, Gym Memberships, and Incentives for the workforce.
In order to see what the employees want and need to keep them coming back to work, consider performing an office-wide survey. Daycare and Education Programmes can be included in a health initiative, so employees do not need to take time off to care for their children. The business can also see a benefit by keeping the employees comfortable and willing to work to their full potential.
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Invest in your Team’s Personal and Professional Growth - It is a well-known fact that personal growth is a basic human need and that to feel satisfied, your employees need to continuously evolve. That's why several employees start browsing through the work boards in search of something new when they feel stagnant.
Following are some ways to Invest in your Team’s Personal and Professional Growth that has been in a trend nowadays:
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Provide sponsorship training for members of the team who want to take classes, buy online courses, or attend business conferences to enhance their abilities.
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Host a "Lunch and Learn" session in which a member of the team discusses a topic he or she is enthusiastic about.
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Launch a company-wide Individual Development Plan (IDP) in which employees have 4 personal and 4 professional targets that they want to accomplish by the end of the year. From there, each target is broken down into component parts by the manager and employee, setting quarterly and monthly benchmarks. Dates are set such that the employees have a practical way of achieving their goals.
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Organize Fun Events which encourages employees to connect and bond with each other - It’s a fact that having friends at work just makes it more fun to go into the office. It helps build a feeling that you and your colleagues are all In this Together!
Having ongoing enjoyable activities at a set pace allows the staff the ability to interact on a more personal level with their colleagues.
Also organize various fun events at/outside the workplace for employees such as:
- Workplace Parties
- Learning Lunches
- Organizing Games, Tournaments, and Competitions for employees.
- Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and personal milestones.
- Celebrating various Festivals at the workplace.
- Office Trips
Conclusion - Satisfied Employees are more efficient and more involved in the workplace. If you are looking for a way to affect your productivity, then the first step is to look at the environment you provide, because it ultimately goes like this. A stable work climate creates satisfied employees, satisfied employees are more engaged, engaged employees are more productive. By investing in your employees, you are creating a better workplace. Concentrate on your employees and the rest will take care of itself. There will be a sense of belonging, there will be less tension, and there will be a positive atmosphere in the workplace, which will make your company a desirable place to be. Satisfied Employees do matter because it makes the organization better. It’s as simple as that!
