18 Apr Should Employee Happiness Be a Priority?
It’s no surprise that employee happiness is key to creating a successful business. However, it is often overlooked. Some employers understate its importance and relevance to the organization’s ability to meet its goals. Spoiler alert! Happy employees are more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay with a company for the long term.
Let’s delve into the significance employee happiness has on a company and share practical tips for employers to cultivate a more joyful and gratifying work environment for their team members.
Productivity
Employees who are happy are more productive than those who are unhappy. Full stop. When employees are happy, they are more motivated to do their best work. Why? Because happiness releases dopamine in the brain, which can enhance cognitive function, including creativity.
Happiness also leads to better working relationships. When employees are happy, they are more likely to work together and collaborate effectively, ultimately improving overall team productivity. Strengthening on-the-job relationships is also useful in helping your team celebrate good times and support each other during the challenging ones.
Engagement
Happy employees are engaged employees. They take on more ownership in their work and as a result naturally put more effort into projects and daily tasks. In addition, employees who are more engaged at work tend to stay put and stop looking around for a better situation. This is important because turnover can be costly and very time-consuming for businesses.
Health
Employee happiness also impacts health. When employees are unhappy, they experience stress, anxiety, which may even result in depression. This can lead to physical issues. In contrast, when employees are happy, they are more likely to want to work.
How to Create a Happier Workplace
Creating a happy work environment requires a deliberate effort from employers. It all starts from the top, so it’s important for company owners, leaders, and managers to be on the same page and support each other. If managers are happier because of leadership, it’s easier for them to want to ensure their employees are happy too. It can be a vicious cycle if everyone doesn’t work together. Here are some strategies that employers can use to create a happy workplace for their employees:
Show appreciation: Recognize employees’ efforts and accomplishments. A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Celebrate milestones with your team and acknowledge individual contributions.
Provide opportunities: Provide employees with opportunities to develop their skills, take on new challenges, learn new things, and advance in their careers. This helps create a growth path for employees and keeps them invested in the company’s success.
Foster a positive work culture:
- Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and communication.
- Create a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions.
- Allow for a work culture that prioritizes balance, wellness, and mindfulness.
Allow for work-life balance:
- Provide employees with flexible schedules, remote work options, and time off to help them balance their work and personal lives.
- Support and encourage employees to maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
- Support time off and encourage time for employees to recharge.
Yes, Employee Happiness Is Worth It
The significance of employee happiness cannot be overstated in the success of any business. By fostering a happier workplace, employers can enhance employee morale, decrease turnover rates, and ultimately improve your financial bottom line.
