How to Create a Happier Workplace
The majority of adults spend most of their time in an office each week. As an employer, one of your top priorities should be creating a comfortable work environment in which your employees feel supported. Here are a few tips for improving your workplace and strengthening your relationship with your employees.
- Listen to Employee Requests in the Office
Ask your employees what you can do to make their workspace better. This can be as easy as purchasing special coffee creamers to keep in the office fridge, or providing decorations for employees’ desks. This can help to liven up the office to help employees feel more comfortable; plus, this will show your employees that you are listening to and valuing their feedback and needs.
- Deliver Praise
All your employees want is to know that they are valued in the workplace and that their hard work does not go unnoticed. Even if you are in the practice of regularly celebrating office achievements, ask each employee how they would prefer to be praised or have their work celebrated. Some might appreciate an email letting them know that they did a great job, whereas others might prefer a one on one session where they can get your feedback.
- Value a Work/Life Balance
Employees should know that you value them as more than an asset to the company, but also as a human with an identity and needs outside of work. Consult your employees to determine how you can be of assistance to them in finding a better work/life balance. Maybe this looks like unlimited PTO, or discounts on services like public transportation or childcare that might make their lives easier and save them money each paycheck.
- Offer Training and Development
Offering training in areas such as workplace safety or diversity and inclusion can contribute to the company culture and provide valuable information to employees. Companies like HSI offer training, safety management, and compliance solutions for businesses. To learn more about this kind of training and how it could benefit your workplace, visit hsi.com.
- Plan Company Outings
To help your employees bond outside the office, consider hosting occasional events outside of work. This could include a company happy hour or dinner, or another fun activity. Alternatively, you could replace weekly meetings in the office with a meeting at a favorite lunch or coffee spot.
Taking the time to listen to your employees’ needs and make changes around the office that will improve their comfort and physical or mental well-being can improve your company culture and improve the overall productivity of your team and the success of your business.