6 Ways to Keep Your Employees Happy and Productive

Team building

It’s more important than ever for companies to have happy and productive employees. When employees are loyal and engaged in the company, profits are higher. Conversely, when people feel unmotivated or undervalued, the company suffers. Keeping employees happy in any economy is hard work. So if the workplace is stressful and/or painful things are happening, such as “back-stabbing” and gossiping, employees’ production goes down.

Happy employees are also satisfied and feel a sense of accomplishment in their work. They like themselves and what they do, and they find meaning from their work – a feeling that what they do is important. Such feelings reduce stress, which is a major factor in productivity.

In order to make your workplace one where happiness and productivity thrive, consider the following guidelines:

1. Recognize their progress and Plan team building activities unrelated to work

While giving constructive criticism helps guide people in the right direction, it’s great to also point out the good things your employees do. Acknowledge them individually and verbally show to them that you are aware of where they started and where they can possibly go to next. While there are different positions in the workforce, it is important to gather the different areas in your business under one umbrella. Plan social gatherings or games for the crew to help build relationships.

2. Trust your employees, Offer, don’t assign responsibility

Delegate without micromanaging. Once you instill more trust, you both will learn. Start by giving employees more projects and in turn ask for their input on issues or ideas for the company. Create a friendly competition amongst the office. This will get employees to step up to the plate and be productive while offering a chance for you to evaluate how others work. You may discover some work better in cooperative teams or as leaders.

3. Make your employees part of the bigger picture, Prioritize a good work/life balance

Informing the team is key to running a successful business. In order to have great communication and trust, it’s great to talk about the company’s future and goals for the upcoming months or years. This will make them feel valued and demonstrate to them that their hard work is going towards something great for the company. As employers and employees, they all share the common aspect of learning to balance good work with a good life. Embrace the importance of work, but also understand the importance of maintaining a healthy life.

4. Be receptive to employee preference

While your business shifts and you notice areas that may need more help, it’s a great time to ask your staff their advice. Ask employees if they'd like to learn something new or improve their skills in a designated area. This helps motivate them to work harder and do the job well.

Celebrating teamwork

5. Set clear goals and Celebrate both personal and team milestones

Make sure to define the company’s goals in which employees can work together. While working together as a team permits productivity, it’s also great to hone in on them as individuals and help set personal goals.

As you set goals and track employees’ progress, it’s nice to take a step back from the work and see what everyone has accomplished. Make sure to celebrate the goals you all accomplished.

6. Don’t keep score and Allow workplace flexibility

It’s important to not keep track of all of the good and bad results employees have produced. Remaining positive and reassuring a common goal to have everyone work towards is what is most helpful. While showing up to work on time and completing all tasks in a timely manner is important to keep a business flowing, it’s also great to show flexibility. If respect is shown at work, employers should respect that their employees have a life outside of work as well.

7. Always Say “Thank You”

Simply saying the words “Thank You” can go a long way. There is a sense of comfort and recognition that is felt when these words are heard.