Does your workplace have a happy environment? Shocking recent statistics show that 63% of employees are not engaged in their roles, and a further 24% of employees are actually actively disengaged in their jobs.
However there are still many happy workplaces where employees are appreciated and encouraged to move forwards. Check out these 10 important factors of a happy workplace.
1. Communication matters to the whole team.
In a happy workplace, you will rarely see staff surprised by new changes or ideas they previously didn’t know about. Communication is strong, from the interns to the leaders. Everyone is kept in the loop, and the bosses are happy to ask their employees for solutions and advice.
2. The goal of the company matters.
From the leaders to the team, in a happy workplace you will see people discussing the goals of the company. People feel excited about the team moving forward, and they are always thinking of ways to achieve the company goals.
3. You know you are an integral part of the team.
There should be a feeling in the workplace that everyone there matters, and that they are not simply robots sifting through a long list of tasks. You should feel that you are an important part of the team, with useful skills and talents that make you great at your job.
Although it is often hard to feel this way in tough economic times, your job should still try hard to make you feel like you are an integral part of the team.
4. Gossip is not acceptable.
Although it can be hard to completely stop gossip, in a happy workplace it just isn’t tolerated. It isn’t only the team leaders who try to shut gossip down, co-workers are willing to openly resolve issues, instead of creating cliques and dividing the team.
5. Everyone is open to change.
One of the most important factors of a happy workplace is the ability to welcome change. The team should know that their leaders can manage change well, and everyone should be open to new ideas and concepts.
6. Growth is encouraged.
In a happy workplace, team leaders and bosses provide everyone with the opportunity to advance and grow. The employees don’t feel that they are stuck in a dead end role, rather they view their jobs as opportunities. From promotions to training programmes, the company is invested in offering employees the chance to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities.
7. The mood in the workplace is positive.
If you walk through a happy workplace, you will see people chatting and laughing. Although everyone is focused on work, the room is not in stony silence, and you are more likely to see people smiling than frowning.
8. The turnover is low.
High turnover is a warning sign of a negative workplace, as it often indicates employees are unhappy with their jobs. This could be for various reasons, including low pay, long hours, a lack of benefits, or an unhappy atmosphere.
Workplaces with a low turnover indicate that the employees are content, have excellent benefits, and the chance to grow within the company. Low turnover with entry level employees in particular is a great sign of a happy workplace.
9. No one feels fear at work.
In a good working environment, no employees worry about saying the wrong thing and finding themselves in trouble. Employees are not afraid of voicing any concerns to their bosses, and everyone feels like they can speak openly and without fear.
10. Everyone supports each other.
A great workplace makes each employee feel encouraged by the other members of the team. If someone applies for a promotion, both the team and the team leaders are supportive of that decision.
Can you think of any more important factors for a happy workplace? Comment with your ideas below!
