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10 December 2014

Happiness – it’s a serious business


This quarter we have seen an increase in companies asking for well-being programmes.  We know that employee well-being and morale is directly tied to productivity – stressed and dissatisfied staff are less productive while happy employees get more done.  Creating a healthy, happy work environment is the best way to boost employee morale and increase attendance. Here are some simple tips to ensure your team stay on top. 

1.    Recognise the value of your employees

Let people know they are appreciated. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve morale.  This doesn’t have to be financial, in fact being creative about how you recognise employee effort shows time, effort and thought and goes a long way to ensuring people know they’re valued.

2.    Provide employee perks such as dress down Friday, or free lunches, cakes or vouchers

Organise social events for your team such as barbecues or picnics for them and their families.

3.    Notice and know everyone

Knowing everyone from the service team to your managers let’s people know you’re aware of the importance of their role in the business.  Post an .employee of the day. profile on a notice board or send it out as an email. The profile doesn't need to be an in depth CV, just a photo, name and details of what the person does in the organisation and what they enjoy doing. This helps people connect with others they may not normally speak to.

4.    Give employees a chance to help others

We know doing something for others improves happiness levels.  Creating a team day where people can get involved to help a local charity of choice not only improves team work but allows employees the time to give something back and feel good about doing it with their colleagues.

5.    It’s okay to have a laugh (when appropriate)

Humour is a brilliant ice-breaker and also works incredibly well in times of stress. So it’s ok if people laugh and have fun. If the office becomes one big laugh factory then perhaps things have gone too far and I’d definitely draw the line at staff photocopying their privates and pinning the results on staff noticeboards. It’s all about balance and fun can de-stress when appropriate.

6.    Create a happy environment

This doesn’t have to mean feng shui and brightly coloured furniture. As a leader, set the tone. Make people feel comfortable. Be approachable. And allow people to personalise their workplaces where appropriate and within reason. You’ll be amazed how such a small thing helps promote creativity and positivity.

7.    Set up a support network

As a manager and leader you should be there to guide and support but peer support networks among employees are equally as important. Having someone to talk to and who can recognise when someone needs a little help is vital for ensuring well-being.  People don’t always like to talk to managers or leaders, but will talk to their peers.  Training a group of people to recognise and help others and having a process in place for this to happen can be one of the most cost effective interventions to your workplace.

For more information on our wellbeing courses click here


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