Finding team members, those with the precise skills set, work ethics and culture fit, that blend well together is a godsend to any entrepreneur. Great talent, good chemistry and shared vision among staff do not come often. Thus, business owners must be able to retain good people in the organisation. Key to that is by keeping them happy at all times so that they maintain a good disposition in their workplace and towards their jobs.
However, it may be a huge challenge to hurdle. Moods and levels of happiness of people are not something that business leaders can control, yet something that they can influence. It is inevitable for employees to lose interest, feel burn out or get discouraged at work. Bear in mind that individuals spend the majority of their waking hours at work or thinking about work. More often, they even pass long hours in their jobs than the time to be with their families or at home. The stress and pressure of their jobs may also drain them, which may cause good talents to leave your company.
One of the factors to the success of a venture is nurturing the people that drive the business forward. A jovial atmosphere at work plays a vital role in the overall well-being of an establishment. It is cultivating this positive feeling, not just in a single employee but in the entire company as well, that can give a business its needed boost to move forward. Happiness in the workplace can result in increased positivity, good relationships among staff members, diminished stress, sound mental and emotional health, and longevity of employees in the business, among many others. In the end, it will lead to the success of the business in reaching its goals.
The important thing for business owners is to foster gratification among its people through drivers that will help amplify the happiness index in your organisation. How does one do that? These are a few of the vital elements that can keep your team members happy.
Create a friendly environment and culture at work
Make your office warm and conducive for work. Organise the layout in such a way that employees can work efficiently and pleasurably. Provide areas where they can conduct meetings and brainstorm ideas, share meals together and exchange fun stories, and take healthy breaks and rest their mind and body.
Create opportunities for interaction among your personnel. Encourage open communication and transparency within your team. Most of all, exercise fairness in dealing with them. Take care of your employees as if they are your family members and look after their welfare. When your people feel they belong in a secure and welcoming environment, they will be more inspired to excel in their jobs.
Reward good performances and recognise exceptional results
There is a sense of gratification when people receive recognition or attention for the good thing they have done. Salary increases and bonuses convey an affirmation of an employee’s hard work, which rewards them emotionally, psychologically and financially. Other companies conduct awarding ceremonies at the end of the year to recognise the exemplary work of their people. Receiving positive feedback boosts the morale of good team members, motivating them to perform even better.
Plan for their growth and development
Staff members appreciate when their growth and development are included in the plans of the organisation. It makes them feel valued, and it gives them a sense of security and assurance. Let them attend seminars and workshops, send them to conferences and exposure trips, and have them mentored. Tap their potentials so that they become better and happier individuals.
Trust and empower them
Some people are happy when they are entrusted with something. They feel confident knowing that their superiors believe in them that they can carry out important tasks. Come up with activities where team members can step up and take a lead on certain matters. Getting involved in volunteer and outreach projects also makes employees feel good about themselves and the company where they belong. Allow them to use their creativity and give them the opportunity to take ownership of significant endeavours and initiatives.
Promote work-life balance
Most individuals work to provide for their families. Your staff have families, friends and interests that they want to spend their time outside of work. Promote work-life balance in the organisation where they do not become overworked, allowing them to enjoy some rest and recreation as well as quality time with their loved ones. Also, they may not share the same drive and passion as you have. Some of them may not appreciate getting calls beyond work hours. Respect their off-hours and encourage them to take vacations.
But then again, happiness is relative. Not everyone may be happy over the same thing. It is good to get to know your people and know what can make them inspired and motivated at work. You may not be able to cater to everyone’s wants and needs, but you’ll be able to cultivate a level of happiness in your workplace that will also give you a sense of fulfilment as an owner and business leader.