Happy Workers = Productive Workers

Everyone dreams of having a job that they love going to each and every day.  As a business owner, hopefully you have created a work environment that you find enjoyable and you love the industry you work in. Now take a moment to think about your employees. 

Most likely your employees smiled a lot during their interview with you and "wowed" you with their enthusiasm for the position.  Their early days were likely filled with energy and aspirations.  How do their attitudes seem to be now?  Do you see smiles and hear friendly, happy voices?  Do they want to be successful not only for themselves, but for the betterment of your company?  Or perhaps, are your employees using a lot of sick days, coming in late, or rushing out a bit too early?

Research has shown over and over again that a happy employee is a productive employee.  Creating a positive work environment is not just a fringe benefit for your employees, but it is vital to the success of your company. 

Studies show that management styles may be the largest factor in employee satisfaction.  Whether you are the sole manager or you have a management team, help ensure that your employees are happily engaged at work.  Managers should show both the ability and willingness to help an employee achieve his/her goal.  Workers are more productive when they feel their work is meaningful and their efforts are appreciated.

Companies such as Google, Apple, Zappos, and Maya Design consistently rate as top companies to work for in America.  They all share similar leadership styles and focus on a positive company culture.  They believe in the research which shows that freedom and an enriched environment facilitates hard work and positive results. You can achieve the same results even if your company is not as large.

How you promote the positive company culture will depend upon your specific company.  Options available to some companies may not work for another.  For example, the opportunity to work from home when not feeling well or caring for a sick child may work for an employee who can do most of his/her work on the home computer.  A retail store can not utilize this option.

Adult workers today spend an enormous amount of their time working.  Look for ways to help improve the work/life balance and have fun.  Possibilities are flexible work hours, providing on-site child care or an on-site gym.  Perhaps you can give your employees their birthday off  or provide lunch for the staff once per week or month.  If that is too expensive, you can have a company lunch time every so often where your employees all take lunch at the same time and you facilitate games or bring in a movie.

The bottom line is that your employees happiness does matter.  Think outside of the box and find creative ways to engage them as well as problem solve.  Be approachable and open to new ideas and your employees just may help you design the positive work environment you all are looking for! We, at National Business Capital, hope you find this article beneficial!