17 May The secret to happy employees

When your employees are happy, they are more productive. They are more willing to put in extra hours, and the morale of your company is better. There are many things you can do as an employer to improve the mood of your employees. Even without emptying your bank account. Many studies suggest that more money may increase employee mood in the short term. But in the long run, it is not an effective strategy for employee happiness.

Treat employees as you would want to be treated

Remember when you were a kid, and your mother told you, do unto others as you would have done to you. The same rule applies here. Employees are people, and treating them like people is important. Would you be happy if every day your boss was on your back about something? If every day, when you got to the office the first thing that happened, was that you got yelled at? It can be hard to curb the bluntness and direct approach when you are swamped and trying to get things done. All it takes is a little forethought and compassion. Before saying anything, take a moment to think before you speak or write or text. Treating employees as you would want to be treated is worth the extra effort.

Incentives and recognition are a great way to encourage happiness

You might think this means more money. While this could be an option, incentives can also be things like:

• An award with recognition
• An extra vacation day or personal day
• Bringing in a special guest
• A special lunch out
• Or just a simple word of thanks

It is surprising how far a simple thank you can go. You may want to read the book; The Five Love language’s by Gary Chapman. The book talks about how people feel loved and their preferred “communication” style. Things like time, appreciation, touch, gifts, acts of service or giving help.  Geared more towards personal relationships, the love languages can also apply to your employees in helping you to determine how they would like to be, “Thanked.”

Allow employees to prove themselves

Career advancement is often a reason why an employee will take on a new position. Giving your employees opportunities to grow, you will find that they are going to work harder in order to prove that they are worthy of such advancement. Psychologists will tell you that humans need to feel a sense of accomplishment. That accomplishment is crucial to their confidence, motivation and happiness. Most employees doing the same thing day in and day out aren’t going to be as happy as when they are being challenged. Yet, I would caution, some employees may be happy doing the same thing day in and day out, which brings me to my next point.

Get to know your employees – show that you care

What do you know about your employee’s lives? While it is not vital or even necessary by law that they share every detail with you. It’s a good idea to understand their challenges and their passions. What makes your employees tick? If they are quite happy doing the same thing every day, then realizing, that will go a long way. Advancement might appeal to some. Or it might not. Never assume or stereotype. Getting to know your employees shows a level of care that leads to happier employees.

Organization within your company is essential to happiness

From a bookkeeper’s standpoint, and also someone who was an office manager; an unorganized company can be a headache for everyone who works there. Nothing makes employees unhappy faster than when they don’t know what they should do. Or are not sure what’s expected of them. In an unorganized company, they may not receive any feedback and don’t know if they are doing a good job or not. All of this can be incredibly stressful. Even employees who say they like change can still have a hard time if your workplace is unorganized. Organization is essential to easing tensions and in turn, making your employees happier.

If Rochon & Associates can help you with your human resources needs get in touch with us today!