No matter how big, or fancy the workplace is, the truth is that employees are the ones that are representing the body and the soul of a company. Employees’ satisfaction and happiness are in direct relation to a company’s productivity, therefore – success. And most of all, who would even like to work in an unfriendly, stressed-out environment full of unsatisfied people (especially if dealing with them is your number one duty)?
Also keep in mind that competition is growing each day, and it is very easy for companies to lose big talents and successful employees due to not meeting their needs and satisfaction. Which is why it is important for supervisors and managers to engage in creating the best possible work environment and conditions for the employees. Here are some ways of improving your employees’ satisfaction, that you can start incorporating.
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1. Get To Know Their Needs And Wishes
Can you think of a better way to meet your coworkers’ needs, than to simply ask them what is it that would make them feel happier in their workspace? Of course, there are some universal ways to do it, but directly asking them will show them both that you care for them, plus it will give you direct solution to the problem (unless their wishes are completely unreasonable, that is). Improving something without knowing what to improve…doesn’t make much of a sense. The easiest way to measure and evaluate their needs is by simple employee satisfaction surveys, where you would impose certain questions that will lead you to the wanted answers. You can even make it a tradition – every fourth Friday-Survey.
2. Create A Positive Working Surroundings
Improving job satisfaction starts right at this one. You cannot expect productive and content employees to work in an unhealthy working environment. Providing a positive, growth-oriented environment is the first step to make people motivated and happy – and it ain’t that easy task. It is going to require you to go over and beyond your obligations to provide all the needs for your coworkers. It can be anything from assistance if needed, discount programs, educational programs, etc. Anything to keep them motivated and up to the task.
3. Give As Much Control To The Employees As You Can
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There is no hiding from the fact that people like to be in control of certain things that affect them. Managers should search for ways to incorporate more flexible schedules. Nowadays, workers have plenty of obligations outside of the work, and employers should be more considerate about it. One of the ways to go through with it is to start implementing flextime, or telecommuting. There is no employee that wouldn’t be motivated by it. Also, with telecommuting, a bonus thing is that you reduce the cost of transport.
Another great way is to motivate employees to decorate and modify their own workstations. It can consist of small things, like decor, or even bigger ones, like painting the wall. It is proven that certain colors affect people’s mood in certain ways, so why wouldn’t you let the employees decide for themselves which works best for them? Customizing their own workstation has a lot of benefits for both parties – you won’t have to worry about it, and they will create the space that suits them the most.
4. Encourage A Healthy Lifestyle
It is a well-known fact is that physical health is in direct relationship with mental health, thus with motivation, mood and general satisfaction. Healthy and relaxed employees equal productive and content employees. Also, by reducing stress-related health issues (which take up to 80%), not only that you are helping your coworkers stay healthy, but you are also helping your company. If you still haven’t, make sure to provide working space with a big, good equipped kitchen that will motivate employees to cook healthy meals for themselves, and thus enjoy some time together outside of the working environment. Another thing that will encourage team building and stress-relief, are chill-out rooms, or even just a corner. It can include stuff like smaller table football, dart board or even some inexpensive massage chairs from Australia. All of these little things contribute greatly to your employees feeling good (and working well) during their workday.
5. Reward Them
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In 2016., in the employee satisfaction survey, almost 50% of participants said that they are unhappy with the amount of recognition they are getting from supervisors and managers for their work. Recognizing somebody’s effort does wonder for building their motivation and morale in the work. And the funniest part, it is not even about the money. Sometimes a small thank you note left on the table will go way further than any kind of incentive (but don’t forget those, too!). Fancy yearly events are fun, but don’t forget to invest yourself in each worker personally, even if it is as little as a small thank you note.
As an HR worker, it is your duty to help to establish a healthy and growth-oriented environment. Track the feedback that you get from coworkers, and try your best to meet all their needs. One step at a time.
