The Five Key Components to Creating a Happy, Positive and Engaged Workforce
The benefits of creating a positive, happy environment at work are huge:
Reduced staff turnover (by up to 65%)
Increased productivity (by 28%)
Lower stress levels (by 55%)
Increased innovation (happy employees are 3 times more creative)
To name but a few…
We all know this instinctively and most employers want their employees to be happy, but not many know how to achieve it.
It’s natural to think that an easy way to improve happiness levels would be to offer treats or perks: Friday drinks or free gym membership for example. But despite what people like to believe, perks and benefits have been shown to have no impact on overall levels of happiness at work. It’s more like a sugar rush; something that will raise the mood in the short term but will quickly die away.
Sustainable, long term happiness at work is a slow burn. It is a continuous process that creates its own energy and builds momentum. It is about creating a culture that brings out the best in everyone. Here are the 5 components that help to create long term, sustainable happiness at work:
Connection
essential to feeling happy at work is a connection with colleagues; friendships within the office; cooperation and a sense of belonging.
Fairness
respect and appreciation. A healthy balance between home and work life.
Empower people
trust and delegate. Freedom for individuals to be themselves and feel involved in decision making.
Challenge people
stretch them but with realistic expectations and make it enjoyable.
Inspire people
Make sure everyone sees the bigger picture and where they fit into it. Give them a pride and purpose in what they do.
At One & All we are delighted to work with the brilliant people at Friday Pulse and their programme that allows us to monitor happiness levels within a team on a weekly basis. Every quarter it allows us to go deeper and focus on the five components above, or the 5 ways to happiness at work. It provides a clearer picture about the areas that need more work and where things are working. This information is available to everyone, everyone is involved and everyone is learning.