by Abby Drexler

A productive workplace is up to the attitude of its employees. A happy employee will be more likely to work harder and feel comfortable with their job, leading to the success of the worker and company alike.

We’ve put together a quick guide to keeping your employees smiling in the office and after they leave work. Our seven simple steps will enhance the quality of work and lead your business to great success.

Keeping employees happy tip #1: Offer benefits to fit their needs

Make sure you communicate with your employees to come up with a proper benefit package for them. Maintaining relationships with your employees and keeping employee wellness program may be the key to their happiness. A wellness program could offer paternity and maternity leave, medical benefits, gym memberships, and rewards for employees for hitting wellness goals.

Consider conducting an office-wide survey to see what your employees want and need to keep them coming back to work. A wellness project may include daycare and education plans so employees don’t need to take time off to care for their children. By keeping your workers happy and able to work to their best ability, the company will also see a profit.

Keeping employees happy tip #2: Create a workplace of transparency

Keep your employees in the know about changes in the workplace to ease any frustration or questions they may keep to themselves. With stress comes a lack of motivation in your employees and many can become so frustrated they quit the company to find another.

A workplace newsletter and regular e-mails should be utilized to inform rather than belittle your employees. Upper management can schedule motivational meetings to encourage their employees that their voices will be heard and they’ll always be the first to know any changes.

Keeping employees happy tip #3: A little appreciation goes a long way

Everyone deserves to feel appreciated for their hard work. Recognize your hard workers with a simple or generous token of your appreciation. Stop by their desk to say “keep up the good work!” or send a special note and flowers to your diligent workers. 

If you want to motivate your entire staff, consider holiday parties and breaks for their birthday celebrations. You may also consider giving bonuses and assessing their requests for raises. Don’t be afraid to show your affection in a professional way for a job well done.

Keeping employees happy tip #4: Offer a chance for growth

Whether you’re working with an intern or training an employee for a management position, always encourage them that they can rise upwards in the company. Offer refresher courses training that will teach new techniques and lessons to learn to enhance business tactics.

If an employee expresses their struggles at work, take the time to present a program, or mentorship to keep their confidence levels high. Take a risk on a promising employee by offering them new tasks and responsibilities to see them rise above.

Keeping employees happy tip #5: Practice proper management skills that will help you lead

Management is necessary to keep your business in order and provide the right example for your employees. Make sure your management training is efficient to lead a team with respect and confidence. Choose a leader who your employees can trust to craft a group of loyal employees.

A higher up manager should know the values and strength of the company to be a role model for their team. A great leader should not discriminate against anyone and maintain ethics in the workplace that everyone can follow.

Keeping employees happy tip #6: Have faith in your team and show it

While you want your employees to trust you, you need to have faith in them as well. Let your employees try challenging jobs and believe in their efforts. Let your workers take the reign and believe in their greatness even when you leave the office.

Keeping employees happy tip #7: Make a connection with your employees

Even if you’re the boss, you don’t want to seem intimidating to your employees. Make sure you present yourself as a colleague rather than the enemy. If you need a conference to motivate your employees and share knowledge of your experience, make it fun and uplifting.

Be friendly but firm if a worker needs to improve on their job. A relaxed one on one meeting will show an employee they can succeed with a few improvements.

Keep your staff happy and morale will stay high! An optimistic employee will be motivated in the workplace and enhance your business for the better.

Photo: Pexels

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