On average, happier workers are more productive, successful, and profitable. Why, then, do so many companies lack attention to detail when it comes to satisfying employees and keeping them engaged? This is a real issue that needs to be solved in corporate America.
In order to start moving in the right direction, it’s important to be able to articulate the various factors that make employees feel engaged and satisfied. Furthermore, it’s up to business leaders to listen and apply the lessons learned.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the top things that make people want to show up to work every day.
1. Good Office Layout
Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. A well-designed office matters to most employees. But it isn’t all about artwork, colors, and trendy features. Businesses need to invest in layouts that reflect the culture of the organization.
“In my opinion, culture trumps design – a good design reflects the culture of the business,” HR expert Hester Lacey says. “The key is having spaces that reflect a culture of everything that motivates and drives people. A space with autonomy and flexibility – that’s a space that can transform a business.”
2. Positive Atmosphere
You want the place where you spend 40 or 50 hours a week to be positive, right? A positive atmosphere in the workplace goes a long way towards making people feel welcomed and appreciated.
Employers should focus less on reprimanding and driving rigid rules and more on encouraging open communication and allowing unique ideas to take root.
3. Proactive Employee Engagement
“A philosophy is emerging that rather than simply display company information in a dry, boring way, it can be helpful to create digital spaces and forums where employees can be challenged and encouraged to be creative or grow within the company,” SelectHub explains.
One way that leading companies are challenging and encouraging employees is through the use of gamification tools and programs. As soon as employees begin to look at work as something competitive – not just routine based – everything changes. People are excited to show up to work and anticipate making progress. It can put a whole new spin on the heart behind the work.
4. Challenging Work
In addition to engaging through gamification, forward-thinking businesses will also focus on challenging employees. This is an important, yet often forgotten, piece of the puzzle.
“Simply put, an employee’s happiness is in large part based on whether the said employee has been able to grow in their work environment, and has a regularly confirmed self-perceived sense of accomplishment and growth,” says marketer Greg Forbes. “If this is the case then this advances them personally as well as professionally.”
5. Correlation Between Output and Compensation
It’s nice to have a steady salary. A good round number provides stability and allows you to set your monthly budget accordingly. However, if you get the same salary every single month, you probably aren’t very motivated to try harder. On the other hand, if compensation is based on output, you’re likely much more engaged and ready to work.
Employers would do well to tie compensation to output – even in roles that are outside of sales. While this pay structure isn’t right for everyone, it will engage a large constituency.
Work Can Be Fulfilling
If you feel like you’re in a dead-end job that’s unfulfilling and leaves a pit in your stomach every Sunday evening, you need to make a change. There are people in this world who love showing up to work every single morning. It’s time for business owners to pay attention to what factors are involved in a positive work environment and carry them over into their own organizations.
Featured photo credit: Pexels via pexels.com
