Keeping Employees Happy, 5 Key Lessons

Keeping Employees Happy

According to a JobStreet.com survey on Employee Job Satisfaction in Malaysia, 78% of the respondents claimed that they were unhappy with their current job. While it is often perceived that the main reason many young talent leave a company is due to the low salary, only 17% out of the 1,145 respondents quoted salary as the main reason for influencing their unhappiness at their current job.

Dissatisfaction with their scope of work was the top reason many felt unhappy at work. Most of these unhappy employees said they felt that they have too much work or that their work is predictable and boring. Another factor was also their poor relationship with their immediate supervisor or boss.

Overall, the employees agreed that the key changes determining their wellbeing at work would need to include opportunities for career development and also work-life balance in the company. If the needs are not met, the majority said they would find another job to restore their happiness at work.

Research has showed that profits are higher when employees are loyal and engaged in the company while on the contrary, the company suffers when employees feels unmotivated or undervalued. Studies have also shown that engaged employees perform better, miss less work, adaptable and are more supportive to changes.

Happy employees are also satisfied and feel a sense of accomplishment in their work – a sense that what they do is important and meaningful. Such feelings reduce stress, which is a major factor of productivity.

To create an environment where happiness and productivity flourish, here are 5 key lessons to consider:- 

Be a “good” employer 

A “good” employer sets clear expectations to employees and that means clearly communicating rules, regulations, policies, procedures, benefits; not just passing out employee manuals but through “personal touch” by talking with employees in groups or one-on-one settings. Whatever expectations you set, it must be consistent with all employees. The more issues and expectations you outline, the fewer problems arise, which leads to productive employees. 

Value employees 

Offer praise, encouragement and thanks to employees for doing a good job when they perform to let them know that you value them. Don’t punish the person if he or she makes a mistake. Instead, talk and teach the correct procedures while offering encouragement. Punishing will only make things worse as employee may become angry and bitter resulting in possible work sabotage as retribution. 

Listen to employees 

Listening helps your organization identify the things that matters to your employees and provide insights on how people are feeling. There are multiple ways to listen. Townhall meetings, polls, focus groups or blogs. A blog is a great way to allow executives to communicate and learn from employees and vice-versa. If you sense a depressed employee, immediately assist them with necessary resources as dejected workers records higher absenteeism, increased health problems, and decreased performance. Remember that we are all humans working together to get through life. We need to care about each other to get the best results. 

Get people involved 

Create a comprehensive employee manual that is clear and simply written. Include procedures for handling every imaginable scenario, including family emergencies. Additionally, help employees feel involved by having regular meetings where everyone can voice their opinions and concerns. This has an added benefit as the company can gain valuable information about products and concerns that will hurt the bottom line. 

Create a productive atmosphere

A comfortable and pleasant environment in the office creates a productive atmosphere. When people have enough room to work, with correct supplies and materials, ergonomically designed equipment is available; it will positively motivate workers therefore maximizing productivity.

Some elements to consider for employees well-being:-

Healthy air

Give employees healthy air to breathe. Indoor air pollution is a serious problem in buildings. Change air filters regularly and maintain air-conditioning at peak efficiency.

Live green plants

Employees are reported to be happier when they feel a connection to nature around them. In fact, workers who are near plants or windows report significant higher job satisfaction.

Healthy food

Offer healthy food choices in the cafeteria or break room. Healthy food helps people think better, improves mood and increases energy levels. When catering food, select healthy food occasionally to encourage people to eat better.

Family friendly

Create a family friendly workplace by allowing employees to personalize their work space (within reason), to take time off for school events, to stay home with ill children without using sick or vacation days. Offer elder care resources or dependent care assistance besides child care, maternity or paternity leave for a balanced life provision.

Benefits For Employers

When workers feel that they are a dynamic and essential part of the team, they are more productive and willing to go the extra mile for their customers and co-workers. Therefore, give praise openly, set goals appropriate to the work and always take your employees’ needs seriously.

By respecting and listening to your staff, you’ll be giving them the motivational push they need to stay loyal and committed to the company’s goals. And when you have a happy and productive workforce that is eager to contribute, your company can weather any economic storm which is the best solution to this problem.