Are Your Employees Happy?

It’s a known fact that if you want to make your customers happy, you need to start with your employees. And that doesn’t necessarily mean giving them more money or time off. Here are five ways you can keep your employees happy and fulfilled at work:

1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. In this time of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever to be fully transparent with your employees. That means, meet with them regularly (whether virtually or in-person) to let them know how your company is progressing and where you stand in achieving your goals. Additionally, remember that communication is a two-way street. It would help if you listened to your employees any chance you get. Find out what they need, and make your response to those needs a priority.

Advantage: Besides building a better relationship with your staff, transparent communication will not cost you a thing. You may find that implementing new ideas will streamline processes and create more long-term creativity for your company.

2. Provide opportunities for career and employee development. Brainstorm ways you can help your employees develop in their jobs. You should also find ways to expand your employees’ understanding of your field — doing so can potentially help you learn new and unique ways to grow your business as well. Maybe it’s as simple as designating time to watch webinars or pay for them to attend conferences or trade shows. Whatever the case may be, get creative and be open to ideas your employees bring to your attention.

Smart idea: Sit down with each employee to map out their path within your company. Then discuss how to reach the goals you establish together.

3. Encourage work-life balance. No one wants to work for a taskmaster. Be sure your employees aren’t taking work home or becoming burdened with assigned projects. If your employees work virtually, don’t call or text them when they’re supposed to be taking a break or done working for the day. And be as flexible with their time as possible.

Tactic: Implement a wellness program — healthy employees take fewer days off and are more productive.

4. Ask for and implement employee suggestions. When people are spending so much time at work, it’s important they feel part of the bigger picture. Consider starting a suggestion box and discuss ideas given regularly. If you only have a few employees, spend time with each person to see what insights he or she may have about your company and your customers.

Another option: When you’re looking to add something new to your business, talk to your employees to learn things you may have overlooked.

5. Show gratitude for your employees. A simple “thank you” can make a difference on any given day. Send an email to an employee or leave a post-it note sharing your appreciation for a job well done. Or, buy breakfast or lunch for your employees “just because.” And if they’ve achieved goals or smashed through a particularly challenging project, consider rewarding them with a half-day off.

Try this: Make it a goal to thank your employees regularly in some way. Implementing a culture of appreciation will wear off on your employees over time.

Always remember, your employees are your greatest asset. The more you invest in their happiness, the more likely you’ll see increased customer satisfaction and improvement to your bottom line.