When it comes to a company’s employees, a low turnover rate is not only good for the bottom line, but it’s a key indicator of the happiness level of an organization. Implementing well-being and happiness initiatives into your company will make your employees happier and more comfortable.
So aside from handing out raises, how can you increase the foundation of job satisfaction and the level of happiness in your organization?
Implement Organizational Transparency and Honesty
It’s easy to say and even easier to claim in your company vision, but employees know when they are working for an organization that is open, honest, and transparent with the everyday workings of the company and when a company just claims to be. Keeping the lines of communication open within your company and encouraging feedback is an important place to begin.
Abundant Company Perks
To retain top employees–especially members of the younger generations–it’s important to embrace initiatives that focus on an employee’s well-being and happiness. This might be a work from home option, gym memberships, more or unlimited vacation time, or benefits that go well beyond the basics. Not long ago, these types of initiatives were viewed as perks in younger, more innovative companies, but more and more they are becoming commonplace–even sometimes expected–in the workforce.
Sometimes, however, these types of benefits and workplace perks might be viewed as band-aid solutions to an ultimately more in-depth problem or grievance. For instance, a weekly yoga class or spa package for employees won’t make up for the fact that they have a stressful job or are overworked. While benefits like this will show your employees you appreciate them, it is still important to address any underlying issues to ensure their lasting happiness at the company.
Organizational Personalization
What makes someone happy in the workplace will vary from person to person. One employee might enjoy added flexibility in their work-life balance. Young parents especially find comfort knowing a business is understanding of the hectic schedule it takes to raise children. Other employees might enjoy being challenged professionally or given the opportunity to learn and expand their skills to develop their career path.
The downfall here is when leaders use practices that make themselves happy, or what they believe will make their employees most happy without directly gathering feedback from them. Open communication and conversations with your employees will aid in making these decisions.
In an article for Businessnewsdaily.com, CEO and co-founder of Roofstock Gary Beasley says, “In my experience, employees rarely become unhappy or leave solely over money. When they do become disenchanted, it is usually because they don’t like their boss, aren’t engaged or feel like they have stopped learning.” Beasley goes on to explain that a positive culture and workplace environment encourages teamwork, communication, and the overall happiness of your employees. These are great points to keep in mind when considering your own employees’ happiness.