Feeling happy and satisfied brings so many benefits such as increased motivation, persistence, flourishing creativity, and successful collaboration.

Having these qualities in your employees will improve the effectiveness and affect the business’s success. These are not just thoughts, but facts. The research showed that companies with happy employees perform better than the competition by 20%, earn 1.2-1.7% more than them, and are 2.1% above industry benchmarks.

HR managers, business owners, and professionals have recognized the importance of a happy workplace which led to many discussions on how to achieve it. If you are looking for some useful ways to cultivate a happy and healthy workplace, take a look at the following tips.

1. Encourage Employees to Share Their Thoughts

No one should be deprived of the possibility to express their thoughts and feelings. The sad truth is that many workplaces have harsh policies that take away the employee’s voice.

How can you expect that someone is happy when they can’t even have their own opinion?

Every employee should be able to share their thoughts, present their ideas, and ultimately, express any troubles.

2. Be Human

Setting a wall between you and employees and using professionalism as an excuse won’t do any good. You may be the boss, manager, or HR professional, but don’t forget that we are all human beings and we don’t differ that much.

The employees will feel happier if you show that you really care. Eliminate any robotic conversations and show affection and concern.

If you see that someone is having a bad day or has some personal troubles, show understanding and don’t push them too hard.

A simple “How are you today?”, “How is your family?”, or “Where are you going for vacation?” can improve your relationship, bring you closer, and make the employees more comfortable in their workplace.

3. Show Trust

There is nothing more frustrating than having your boss looking over your shoulder all the time. Having the freedom to work independently is what every employee will appreciate.

Show the employees that you trust their abilities and avoid micromanaging them.

Letting go of complete control can be difficult for some, but if you hire talented workers you should believe in their competence. Check once in a while how the work progresses and ask if they need any help. That should be all.

4. Socialize Outside of Work

It is unrealistic to expect that everyone at work should be best friends, but you can at least try to get to know each other better.

Spending some time outside of work will relax the atmosphere and give you a chance to bond.

Simple gatherings such as going for drinks after work or getting a cup of coffee can be a great opportunity to chat about random things, laugh, and have a good time. Make sure that everyone is invited and that everyone participates.

5. Have a Space for Relaxation

The workplace should be designed for work purposes but when the head starts pounding from all the thinking, the employees should have their little getaway space.

“Setting a space where employees can rest and take their mind off of work will only increase their productivity and help them think clearer. Taking a break at their desk won’t allow them to switch off,” explains Marie Fincher, a head of content at Trust My Paper and contributor writer at Grab My Essay.

You don’t have to do anything crazy. Just set up a small corner with some comfy chairs where employees can relax and drink a cup of coffee or tea.

6. Praise Employees’ Accomplishments

Employees deserve as much respect as the leader, director, or business owner. Without their hard word, companies won’t be able to progress.

Let the employees know how important they are and how valuable is their effort. You may think that they already know that, but everyone likes to be praised for time to time.

Whenever someone finishes their part of the work successfully, praise them. Acknowledge everyone’s contribution during the meetings.

All in all, openly show your appreciation for each and every employee and the time and effort they put into the company.

7. Reward Outstanding Performance

Besides praising the employees with words, giving the hardest workers rewards will also contribute to cultivating a happy workplace.

The rewards shouldn’t be something too big or expensive because that can evoke some unhealthy competitive spirit. Keep it sweet and simple.

For example, the one who hits all the targets or works the hardest can get a free personal development course doesn’t have to pay for drinks for the whole month or gets one extra free day during the week.

8. Solve Problems Instantly

Open communication is the key to healthy relationships. If the employees hold grudges whether it is against you or some other employees, it will only make the situation worse.

They should know that if some problem, conflict, or disagreement occurs it should be discussed instantly.
Let them know that it is better that they respectfully speak about their issues than to hold it in until they burst.

9. Allow Employees to Decorate Their Workplace

Having your own little corner that is decorated in your style makes you feel more at home. That is why you should let employees decorate their sections.

They could bring pictures, small decorations, or plants. It is proven that plants relieve stress for some people, improve mood, and increase productivity.

Since they spend a lot of time at work, it will make them feel more comfortable if they decorate the space with the things they love.

10. Hold Motivational Meetings

Sharing goals with employees will give their work a purpose. A few motivational and inspirational words can do wonders for employees’ spirit.

State the purpose of their work and let them know how they benefit the community. For example, Zappos is a company that sells clothing and shoes but they claim that their mission is to “deliver happiness.”

Ask yourself “What is our mission?” and spread that message.

Emphasize that you are a team and that the company could never succeed without their contribution. Make them feel important, which they are. Using words such as “we”, “our”, “team”, “contribution” and similar will make your speech more empowering.

P.S. Don’t forget to speak from the heart.

Happy Employees = Thriving Company

No matter what line of business you are in, creating a team of reliable and competent people is essential for growth.

While people are motivated in different ways and you can’t know who prefers what, what you can do is provide your employees with a pleasant environment and relaxed team.

Show appreciation for people who make the company what it is and see how impactful can a happy workplace be.

About the Author: Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. Now she works as a freelance writer at Studicus and BestEssayEducation. Kristin runs her own FlyWriting blog.