7 Secrets to Keeping Happier Employees (and working hard)

7 Secrets to Keeping Happy Employees

It is no secret about what it takes to keep employees happy and productive.  It is written about all the time.  It is now a matter of putting these simple practices into place.  As leaders, you know it is not always about the money but it is often how you make your employees feel that makes a difference.  It is the basic skills that you learned along your career path.  People, regardless of their title, want to feel respected and valued.

When you think about how you would want to be treated, it becomes clear, how others want to be treated.  Like all goals, pick one or two of the following and see what happens.  When you start to see a change, continue with others.  Remember, your employees are your company's future. It is important that they be treated that way.  

Transparency - Employees want to feel a part of something.  They want to know about the state of the company.  According to a Tinypulse survey, transparency is a top factor in employee happiness. It is important to keep your employees in the loop as to the good and the bad news. Make sure they know the vision and mission of the company. Otherwise, people can talk and false rumors can spread.  

Work life harmony - This seems trivial but you hired your employees, now you need to trust them.  There is no reason to treat your employees like children. They are grown adults.  Give them the flexibility to work remotely, or go to their children's school play.  When you trust your employees and offer flexibility, they respond in kind.  In a caring and productive manner.

Two way Feedback - Insight from employees is invaluable. They are your front line and hear things that top management may not know. Keep an open door policy and encourage communication and feedback.  

Career Path - Employees want to better themselves and know there is a future within the company.  Be sure to talk to your employees about new opportunities.  As a manager you also have to understand what your employees want to do and where they see themselves.  Ask them questions and help them along their path.

Gratitude - Regardless of your role, gratitude and appreciation go a long way. Whether it is a verbal thank you, personal note or taking your employee to lunch for a job well done.  Small tokens of gratitude, will create a pleasant and positive workplace.

Healthy Environment - Increasingly employees want and know the importance of  good health. Provide information and tools on ways to be more healthy.  Offer access to gym programs, mindfulness training, and healthy eating.  These simple tips will help with employee stress and control health-care costs. 

New Challenges - Certain employees will thrive with new challenges. Give them a chance to try something new.  Perhaps they have talents you are not aware of.  When employees are empowered and actively participate they care about the outcome.  Employees that are bored and not challenged become disengaged and consider leaving the company.

When you apply these simple solutions, you will find your employees become future leaders,  team players, and more creative. When employees are happy and satisfied, absenteeism and turnover are reduced and productivity increases.  
​
Your employees are the future of your company.  When you start to believe and think that way, the rest is simple. 

​

---