Top 10 tips for increasing employee happiness

“Shiny happy people laughing” sang REM, almost 25 years ago. That probably wouldn’t be everyone’s first thought if they pictured a typical day in corporate life. But why not? There’s plenty of evidence that if your people are happier they will produce better work, be more engaged and help create an even better working environment. Here are our top ten tips for increasing employee happiness:

1. Recognise and reward them

People really appreciate it when their hard work is appreciated. If an employee has done something outstanding/innovative/proactive/valuable then be sure to thank them – either in person, via company emails, in staff meetings, etc. If they take risks, reward them. Give them a coupon to go out for dinner, an extra day off or tickets to a show, etc. That kind of recognition can have a huge impact in terms of engagement and loyalty.

2. Listen and keep on listening

Your people want to feel valued and respected. An easy way of achieving this is by listening to what they have to say. Maintain an open door policy, and encourage staff to approach you to ask questions, share ideas and voice concerns.

3. Cut back on emails and meetings

Let’s be honest: no-one really enjoys being faced with a full email inbox or gets a kick out of attending meetings. Many employees feel that a flooded inbox and a constant string of meetings waste time and hinder their productivity. Replace some of those emails and meetings with technology that helps them save time and collaborate more efficiently.

4. Help them be healthier

Health and productivity programmes can play a huge part in maintaining a happy workforce. If your people feel healthier, they will feel better about themselves and have more energy: this is bound to have a positive impact on their work and attitude.

5. Offer benefits beyond the basics

There are many ways to supplement salary by helping employees in other areas of their lives. You can offer an extra level of life insurance or disability insurance for employees to protect their incomes. Other benefits, such as dental, optical, gym memberships and transport benefits are great perks to keep employees happy and healthy. If you provide higher benefits, your employees will know that you really care about them and their families.

6. Create a wonderful environment

Don’t underestimate the physical environment’s impact on your company culture, and staff happiness levels. Inexpensive things like free water, healthy snacks, and ergonomic chairs show your employees that you are interested in their comfort level.

7. Help them bond with each other

This is important for big and small companies alike. Pub lunches, team days out, mentoring, fun evening social events: all of these things can help employees forge the bonds that they need to enjoy work.

8. Provide flexible working conditions