Tips For A Happy Workplace

We spend a lot of time at work. A lot of time. I talked last week about how only 13% of people are happy in their job. The figure is a depressing one. Whilst it’s not always possible for people to find their perfect job, there are ways to make other people’s days more enjoyable. After all, we all want to be in a happy workplace.

It’s always worth talking to your colleagues and the staff. Have a chat with them to find out how they feel about the workplace. Are there things that you could do either as a manager or co-worker to make the environment and day more pleasant? Communication is key and whilst a lot of it is down to management, a certain amount of responsibility is down to individual employees to help each other.

Everybody is different. There are many different personality types and this means that a lot of people won’t always get on. This is completely natural. You will likely work in a place where there are several introverts and several extroverts. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean that these people won’t get on, it means that they will all approach situations and circumstances differently to each other. They will have different mindsets and likely, completely different comfort zones. This needs bearing in mind when working within the team.

Flexible working

Flexible working is something that is very often a hit with employees. Many have families these days and it’s important to them to be able to be at the school assembly, or be at the school gate when the bell rings. Whilst this is definitely more available to staff these days than it used to be, there are still many companies that are behind with the times. Flexitime doesn’t have to mean coming in to work as and when the staff choose, but about being approachable, and just that – flexible. Most of the time, staff and colleagues want the best of both worlds. Can working from home be an option? Employees are likely to be extremely grateful if this was available to them. Be understanding that the employees have special commitments outside of work. With a little understanding and communication, there isn’t any real reason why everyone can’t be happy, thus resulting in a happy workplace.

Awards System

A lot of companies these days have bonus systems in place – this is great. A lot of this is down to performance. How about trying something different in addition? How about having monthly awards or bi-monthly awards where staff can vote for each other to win a voucher of their choice? To boost morale even more within the team, why not have a gratitude jar? This way people will know they are appreciated. Sometimes, more often than not, a kind word or show of appreciation is all people need to feel better about themselves. You can also stick to tradition and give it a modern twist. Present plaques of appreciation to the top performers, and add a photo or message to make the award even more personal and creative.

Location, location, location

Whilst a converted barn office, with views of rolling hills may seem the ideal place to work, in reality, many businesses are located in high rise buildings where the windows don’t open and even worse, the office has no natural light! In winter months, staff members can enter and leave the office in the dark! (Even if the weather is miserable and the sky is grey, it’s still nice to see it!) If your office allows, try to allocate an outdoor seating area where staff can take their lunch or even just pop out for some fresh air and a break from screen time.

Comfortable workstations

Is the workplace a comfortable one? Do you as staff have a nice workstation? We spend a lot of time at our desks so good quality office furniture is important, not only for physical comfort but for mental too. It’s common sense that your physical surroundings have an impact on your mindset. If you are in a dark dingy room, you are not going to feel as inspired or motivated to work as perhaps you would in a bright and airy office space. The same goes for office furniture. A comfy chair and a desk big enough to work well on will go a long way and work wonders. All companies want to avoid their staff having work related illness such as repetitive strain injury and so this is something that’s really worth taking seriously.

Finishing early

Do all staff need to be in until closing time every single day? Is there enough cover for each member of staff to finish early one day a week? We all love taking off early and what better way to motivate staff to reward them with an early finish once a week?

Know your colleagues

Take the time to get to know each other. Take personality tests like I mentioned earlier. Understand that if someone doesn’t want to come to the next payday night out, it might not be because they are being a party pooper but because they need that time at home to recharge. Understand that the loud one in Human Resources isn’t being rude, that’s just how she is and she doesn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

It’s the little things that can make you feel appreciated or indeed undervalued at work. Taking little steps to make sure staff and colleagues are happy can make all the difference. No one is asking for a complete overhaul, but just showing willing, is a great first step to a happy workplace for all.

Do you have a happy workplace? Could your company improve staff morale? How could you feel more appreciated? Let me know in the comments.

Many thanks to the following bloggers for contributing to this post:

tippytupps.com, householdmoneysaving.com, toaufinityandbeyond.com, crazyfamilystory.com, thebratrace.com, thehomemakersjournal.com, thegrowingmum.com, reducedgrub.com, thesmallestofthings.com, digitalmotherhood.com, sineadlatham.com, tippytupps.com, slimsights.com

Post written in collaboration with Calibre Office Furniture.

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