PENTHOUSE OR POOR HOUSE: HOW HAPPY EMPLOYEES AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS
Having happy employees should be the goal of any company, but far too often, workers are left unappreciated and under paid. Neglecting the basic needs of people who, basically, run the show isn’t a smart business choice or a moral one. In order to increase productivity and generate new business growth, take some time to analyze just how happy your employees are.
Successful business owners recognize that, besides offering an excellent product or service; great employees are crucial for keeping workflow optimized. Not only does staff have constant interaction with key clientele, they also provide your company with the labor power you need to get important jobs done right and on time. Acknowledging employees as a vital asset is the first step in ensuring better business and better profits.
What is a Happy Employee?
Plain and simple, happy employees are those who like their job. While some staff members may have an uncanny knack for appearing content, determining whether or not an employee is happy doesn’t take genius. Most employees who truly enjoy employment in your company will usually exhibit one or all of the following characteristics:
• Promptness: Employees who consistently arrive for work before a scheduled shift are typically those who find your company’s work environment to be a rewarding one.
• Conversational: Communication from content employees is generally free flowing and easily exchanged with both peers and supervisors.
• Productive: As output is what business is all about, employees who enjoy their job are more apt to produce at higher rates than their counterparts. Not only is workload accomplished on time, it is done beyond expectations of the employer.
• Trainable: Pleased workers will show an interest in how a company works, how they can benefit an employer, and how they can improve their performance on the job.
How to Increase Employee Happiness
Workers who understand their value within a company are far more likely to find contentment in the work they do. As no person enjoys drudgery for little pay, working hard for little reward, and serving another without receiving gratitude; there are three things employers can do to increase morale:
WAGES
Getting maximum results for minimum pay doesn’t equate to good employee morale. Understandably, most businesses cannot afford a lot when it comes to employee compensation, but a good rule to go by is 1/3. Whether you are a new business, or a well established one; understanding that 1/3 of your company’s gross earnings goes directly to compensation will help you to make better choices when hiring, as well as in determining how many employees you really can have.
While this may be a tough bite to chew; it’s a legitimate equation ensuring workers a fair and livable wage while putting money in your own pocket. Ruthless dealings with one of your greatest assets will only lower the likelihood of good customer service, excellent work ethic, and trust.
BENEFITS
Besides better pay, added benefits can greatly improve morale among your workers. As most companies find that money always seems tight and providing health insurance is nearly impossible, there are many ways to offer employees more.
• Offer employees who excel in the workplace minor or low cost services or products provided by your company.
• Give employees an option to choose between a variety of incentives that may cost a little, but in the long run gives big dividends in health and happiness for employer and employee.
• Monthly fitness memberships
• Free Smoking Cessation Seminars or Classes
• Partial or full tuition reimbursement for classes taken that will benefit employee performance
• Paid personal or sick days
• Reward incentives for things such as productivity, attitude, and attendance
APPRECIATION
Saying thank you is always nice, but great employees deserve more. Be sure to show your appreciation for people who make your business what it is. Awards, cash, and gift certificates are all wonderful ways in which to show employees their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
Final Thought
Running a successful company requires many things; one of them is great human resources. Neglecting worker happiness is almost guaranteed to result in reduced productivity, customer service, and profit. By making a few adjustments in how you treat staff members, you are strengthening your company from the inside out.