How to create a workplace where employees want to be
A workplace where employees want to be will be far more productive than one where they literally force themselves to come to work. Happiness is one of the most powerful and fundamental of the elements necessary to attract and keep the right people. Employees who are happy in their jobs will work hard and well - and will be reluctant to leave. Here’s how you can create a happy and encouraging workplace...
1. Create the right environment.
Given the cost of hiring new employees, and the destabilising effect of a high turnover of staff, you can’t afford not to make your organisation a happy place to be. You need to look critically at the physical, social, and achievement environments to ensure that the mix of those three promotes a place where employees want to be. Ask staff periodically what they need to improve their person comforts and productivity and, where possible, undertake to have those needs met.
2. Know what makes people happy - and unhappy.
Research tells us that, if we were asked to remember the last time we felt unhappy, we would probably be thinking about what we don’t have. As a manager, therefore, your task must be to affirm the positive, reinforce individuals’ and groups’ accomplishments, and share their successes. Keep employees focused on achievements and discourage dwelling on what could have been or what they don’t have. Napoleon’s description of leaders as ‘dealers in hope’ seems appropriate.
3. Develop a pleasant management style.
Managers who enjoy their work will do their job in more positive and constructive ways than managers who are unhappy or frustrated in their jobs. You and your attitude help set the tone. Employees are happier in a workplace run by managers who enjoy themselves, their work, and their employees. (The opposite also applies.) So target these things:
- Manage your thoughts. Think positively, choose to think the thoughts and stories about your work that you enjoy thinking about - and avoid thinking about the rest.
- Enjoy your work. The most important thing for you and for all those around you is that you like what you’re doing. If you’re not enjoying work, do something about it.
- Act spontaneously. Share those qualities that make you special.
