Happiness is the ultimate life goal. Well, that’s according to Aristotle, and who are we to argue with an ancient Greek philosopher? If you’re not going the extra mile to enhance your employees’ happiness, now’s the time to start! A happy workforce can drive productivity and profitability, taking your organisation to new heights and achieving your goals quickly. So, investing in work happiness is not only a moral-must but also a savvy business strategy. But don’t just take our word for it. The geniuses at Warwick University, for example, found happiness made people around 12% more productive. What’s more, Indeed’s UK Work Wellbeing 2022 Insights Report found that 87% of people who report having a higher level of wellbeing at work are likely to stay at their current employer for the next 12 months. Let’s look closer at the benefits of work happiness for your business. Plus, some of the ways you can boost workplace positivity and turn any frowns upside down.
Happy employees are more likely to build positive relationships with their colleagues, leading to a more harmonious workplace – music to any business leader’s ears! Here are six other ways you can benefit from having happy employees.
Let’s face it: we’re all more pumped when we’re happy. When your employees ride the happiness wave, they’ll be practically unstoppable! They’ll be laser-focused, more energetic and productive. This supercharges business efficiency, which can positively impact your bottom line.
Satisfied customers are the foundation of business. They’re more likely to keep coming back, recommend your company to others and share kind words about you with the world. When your employees are walking on sunshine, they become customer service rock stars. They’re more patient and empathetic, and they’ll bend over backwards to make your customers feel like royalty. The result? Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty!
Employee happiness adds to a positive company culture – and that attracts the best people. When your company has a positive employer brand and reputation for valuing employee happiness, you’ll have the crème de la crème knocking on your door. Happy employees can also be the perfect recruitment tool! They will be only too glad to recommend job openings to friends and connections if they work for a company that really rates employee happiness.
With many businesses facing recruitment challenges, keeping your best people is key. Employees who are content and satisfied with their jobs tend to be more loyal to their employer and committed to the company’s long-term success. Plus, happy workers are less likely to have one foot out the office door. Lower staff turnover can massively cut the cost and disruption associated with recruiting, onboarding and training new employees.
When staff are all smiles, they’re not just working; they’re passionately engaged with their work, connected with your organisation’s mission and willing to go the extra mile. What’s more, creativity positively thrives when employees are happy and engaged. They can think more outside the box, share ideas and collaborate openly with colleagues. This can all lead to innovative solutions to challenges, process improvements and a competitive business edge.
What’s worse than work dread and the ‘Sunday scaries’? Nothing in our eyes! If you haven’t heard, we’re huge advocates of a healthy work-life balance. A happy, healthy work environment means fewer sick days and more motivated employees. And you can bet that when someone’s out, the team’s got their back. Even one missing team member can disrupt the flow of a whole team, so doing all you can to keep absenteeism low is a no-brainer.
Work can be a real bummer when it feels like it’s stopping us from doing what we really want to be doing. So, combating these feelings should be a priority for employers. Now you’re clued up on the benefits of employee happiness for your business, let’s look at ways you can boost those happy hormones. Craft the ultimate workspace: We’re talking about the kind that makes your employees do a happy dance every morning! Think of things that cater to different working styles and keep that work-life balance in check, like mixed workspaces, some seriously cool decor, and breakout spots to catch a breather. But it’s not just about the physical stuff. Create a kick-ass company culture where people can be their best authentic selves. Provide valuable work perks: Think beyond the basics here. Family-friendly policies, healthcare benefits and financial wellbeing advice are all happiness boosters. Show that you genuinely care about your employees’ wellbeing and watch that workplace stress melt away. Offer mental health resources: Taking care of your employee’s mental health is key to work happiness. Keep those open conversations flowing and offer up mental health resources like personalised information and advice, workshops and web-based materials. Remember, a happier, healthier mind means a happier, healthier team. Offer flexible/hybrid working: Shake up the nine-to-five to give your team more control over how, where and when they work. This can help improve work-life balance by giving people more time to fit work around their lifestyle, which can reduce stress, unhappiness and burnout. Help with growth and development: Sit down with your employees and lay out a career roadmap within your company. Your people will be over the moon when they have crystal-clear goals and exciting challenges on the horizon. Show some love: Set up a workplace reward programme to show staff you’re serious about recognising their successes. Celebrating wins and milestones helps motivate your teams. When they feel appreciated, they’re not just happy; they’re beaming with pride about where they work.
Happiness comes in many shapes and sizes, depending on the person. But one thing’s for sure: work plays a massive part in influencing our happiness levels since it’s where most of us spend much of our time. Simple actions like the ones we’ve mentioned above boost productivity, profitability and, most importantly, happiness in the workplace. If you think your business could do with a little sprucing up when it comes to work happiness, now is the perfect time to start. Did you know that 91% of our members confirmed they’re happier since joining Work.Life? Join the fun! Book a tour of one of our flexible and cost-effective office spaces near you today.