7 Steps to Building Employee Happiness

Employee happiness is greatest when your employees are using their skills and expertise to resolve new problems or challenging projects, and when they have to stretch a little to do so.

Employee happiness also comes from being treated like a professional and having autonomy with a safety net.  Happiness is in the workplace is a by-product of workers feeling engaged, connected, respected and appreciated.

Forbes staffer Karsten Strauss, in “7 Ways To Keep Your Employees Happy (And Working Really Hard),” shares ways to achieve employee happiness and improve your bottom line. These expert tips come from Leonard J. Glick, Northeastern University’s senior academic specialist and executive professor of management and organizational development.

1. Build Ownership Among Your Crew. Get employees to feel that they own the place, not just work there. Listen to and act on their input and let them make decisions independently.
2. Trust Employees To Leave Their Comfort Zones. Have faith in their ability to handle new challenges and support them when they make mistakes.
3. Keep Your Team Informed. You have a bigger picture outlook than your employees do, so help them understand organization goals, strategies, and how they’re contributing.
4. Your Employees Are Adults—Treat Them Like It. If there’s bad news, tell employees straightforwardly and promptly.
5. You’re The Boss. You May Have To Act Like It Sometimes (but be consistent). Although you want to be friendly, have open communication, and interact frequently with your employees, you’re not their peer. Make tough decisions when you have to. If you behave consistently, your team will respect you for it and feel more at ease. Remember, you need to earn their trust.
6. Money Matters (But Not As Much As You Think). Pay your employees a fair salary. If you underpay and they find out, goodbye employee happiness.
7. Perks Matter (But Not As Much As You Think). While lavish perks—like these Google benefits described in “The Proof is in the Perks“—make work/life balance easier for many employees, perks motivate employees less than being part of a team that recognizes the value they provide, along with challenging projects.

Employee happiness helps you cut health care costs and improve your bottom line, so what are you waiting for? Start laying the foundation today!

For a comprehensive guide to growing a sustained workplace culture of happiness, trust and appreciation, download our FREE eBook: Transform Your Workplace with Gratitude.

 
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