Guest PostHappy employees are the sign of a successful organization. They demonstrate that a company is invested in hard work and helping employees grow professionally alongside the organization. Employee satisfaction, however, is not solely dependent on compensation or position. Workers who feel like they are making an impact in their role and are appreciated by their employer are more likely to work effectively and remain loyal to the organization.
Whether it be updating the workspace or creating new programs, there are several easy, yet effective steps employers can take to boost office morale. Below are a few ways to prove your dedication to worker success and improve overall employee satisfaction.
Allow Flex Time
Long commutes and child care are often cited as two of the most stress-inducing aspects of work. Therefore, flexible schedules can help your employees maintain a healthy work/life balance. Allowing your workers to stagger their arrival or departure times from the office in accordance with their needs is a free but highly effective way to ease some of their work-related stress. A catered work schedule can also help them feel appreciated and noticed by executive decision-makers. Just be sure to enforce hourly commitments and meeting times so the transition doesn’t disrupt overall workflow.
Begin Wellness Programs
Investing in employee health and wellness programs is a great way to boost productivity and morale while also avoiding sickness in the office. Small programs like paid gym memberships, employee athletic clubs, or nutritionist guest speakers are effective ways to help your employees better manage their stress levels and physical wellbeing, proving your dedication to the health and interests of your workers. If you’re able to invest more in employee wellness, consider creating a nap room for workers who don’t get enough rest at home, like new parents. While it may seem unnecessary, a nap room can help employees blow off steam and boost their productivity and mood throughout the workday. Simply designate a quiet room and add a few cozy couches and pillows for your employees to relax into during their lunch break.
Improve Communication
A lack of cross-discipline communication can make workers feel distanced from company executives and removed from decisions that impact the organization’s future. While lower-level employees will likely understand that they aren’t the company’s decision-makers, it’s important to include their ideas in organizational communication. Consider hosting weekly company-wide meetings to provide updates or share successes so all employees feel connected to the company’s mission and involved in its future direction. This should help all employees understand the impact of their daily work and find passion in their activities.
Update Office Design
Design makes a big difference in the office atmosphere, for better or worse. While good office design can inspire communication, a poorly laid-out space can stifle creativity. Consider updating the design of your office to facilitate collaboration and stress relief among current employees and help recruit young talent. Ditch the mind-numbing cubicle and open up the office with natural elements like sunlight and plants. This will create a calming environment that improves mood and focus in workers. You should also consider investing in ergonomic desk furniture like chairs, keyboards, and screens, for employee comfort and relaxation.
Corporate success depends on the passion and work of employees, so it’s important to show your workers that they are valued both personally and professionally. Instituting just a few of the above suggestions should help prove that their success is a priority to your organization and ultimately improve employee satisfaction.
Josh Tolan
