5 Things you Need to Have at Work to Keep your Employees Happy

Lizzie Weakley

February 03, 2016

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When trying to retain the best employees, it is important to remember that quality of life can surpass the lure of a raise in pay. Showing employees they are respected and valued can oftentimes payoff more than a bigger paycheck. Employees with a high level of job satisfaction are typically more productive, more engaged and much more loyal to their companies. Here are five things you need to have at work to keep your employees happy.

Flexibility

Flexible schedules for employees can make them feel more in control of their lives, resulting in increased happiness and less burnout. Businesses should allow their employees to work flexible hours or give the option of working remotely when necessary. Doing this requires that the employer trust the employee to get all tasks completed on time, regardless of business hours. Employees do not want to necessarily keep their personal lives and their business lives completely separate. Instead, people are now looking for a more fluid lifestyle where they can go from 'work' mode to 'home' mode as needed, no matter what time it is. As long as an employer is able to trust that their employees will get all tasks accomplished prior to deadlines, it may not be so important that they are completed during regular business hours.

Encourage Employee Communication in Common Areas

Businesses should ensure that their employees have a common area to share ideas, talk, and even socialize. Small talk in a common area can often turn into a constructive business conversation. Make common areas inviting for employees to stick around for a while, by including nice furniture, snacks, and beverages. Seek out vending machines for sale in order to provide a variety of snacks to suit every employee's needs. Westway Vending provides businesses with high quality pre-owned vending machines. They offer machines that fit within any company's budget, offering the highest levels of both service and convenience. Offering a variety of refreshments for employees grants them a break in the day to relax and relate to their coworkers.

Personal Space for Employees

Distractions can happen in a workplace, whether it is due to loud coworkers or everyday chatter. While office design is individualized upon industry, it should be a goal to create the perfect environment for employees to thrive. In some cases, this may be a loud, cooperative place. For others, however, employees may need their individual space in order to stay comfortable and happy.

Suggestion Box

Employees need to feel like they are being heard with their concerns and positive changes can be made around the office due to their ideas. This maybe a place for employees to write positive notes about changes that have been made, or to make constructive suggestions to fix problems around the office.

Individual Attention

A happiness initiative is never a one-size-fits-all job. Employers should spend one on one time with their employees to find out what makes each of them satisfied at work. Employers should be encouraged to ask their employees for the top things that they need from their leader in order to have job satisfaction. Additionally, employees should be asked how they like to be rewarded for a job well done. While one person may want a bonus, another may want an extra vacation day. Instead of using a broad approach, treat each employee how they would like to be treated.

Keeping these things at work is guaranteed to help boost employee retention and happiness. While some of these things are material, such as snacks and office space, others are forms of treatment, such as respect and attention. All of these things coming together can brighten the lives of employees.