Few things contribute to an unproductive workplace the way unhappy employees will. When employees dread coming to work, not only do they perform less efficiently and effectively, but their unhappiness spreads through the office like a virus.
So, how can you ensure that your office has an environment that makes people happy to come to work. There are several ways you can work toward providing an atmosphere that makes people happy to come in every day.
1. Have candid conversations. While there will always be some conversations that must be kept confidential, creating an environment that encourages open sharing of ideas and problems prevents division within the group. Encourage employees to help and coach each other, so that resentment doesn’t build when one or more employees struggles with tasks.
2. Create a safe environment. If you’re going to have candid conversations regarding mistakes and problems, employees must feel safe in sharing these problems within the group. In order to encourage this sharing, employees must understand that there will be no retribution for admitting mistakes.
3. Have diversity and inclusion. Cliques make for an unhappy workplace. In addition, a lack of diversity and tolerance of this diversity leads to unhappiness among a subset of employees. Make it known that diversity is celebrated by encouraging employees to share about their backgrounds and personal lives during appropriate times. Have team building exercises and social events that help employees get to know and appreciate each other.
4. Set goals and celebrate achievement. Achieving goals together as a team fosters cohesiveness. Employees learn to depend on each other and are more willing to help each other after they’ve achieved something important together. Give them every opportunity to excel as a team and then celebrate this excellence.
When you create an inclusive and candid workplace, you’ll have employees who are happy to stay with you for many years. While you’re working hard to ensure career achievement for your employees, don’t forget to work to ensure their happiness, too.