Happy employees don’t just give the workplace a good reputation, but also boost productivity

Many successful companies credit their success to happy employees. Surprisingly, only 32% of U.S. workers feel engaged, the lowest in a decade.

This matters because businesses with satisfied employees earn 23% more profit, according to CO.

The Social Market Foundation reports that happy employees are up to 20% more productive and perform better at their jobs.

They also have lower absenteeism and are less likely to leave, saving the company money on recruitment and training.

Happy employees are more than just satisfied! When they feel valued, they become powerful assets for the company. This means a better reputation because they’ll talk well about the company to others.

They’ll also be more productive and come up with great ideas because they’re excited to be there. In short, making employees happy is a smart investment that helps the whole company win!

With this in mind, companies need to prioritize worker satisfaction.

Here are some tips on how to keep your employees happy:

1. Give them incentives.

Rewarding employees for their hard work with incentives like work-from-home days, stress-relief activities, bonuses, or extra personal days can boost morale, loyalty, productivity, and happiness within the company.

2. Provide professional development.

For job satisfaction, employees need security, financial stability, and opportunities to utilize their skills and grow, says Envoy.

This can involve promotions, new roles, or personalized development such as training, classes, or education support.

3. Good workplace tools.

About 34% of employees are unhappy due to slow or outdated technology. Since they rely on these tools daily, it’s frustrating when they’re inefficient.

Invest in modern workplace technology to address this, such as integrated systems for employee scheduling, desk booking, and meeting room reservations.

4. Provide transparency.

Clear communication prevents employees from feeling isolated, demotivated, and unheard.

Implement open-door policies, effective feedback systems, and transparent decision-making processes to keep everyone informed and engaged, fostering a productive and cohesive team environment.

5. Know your employees.

Adding fun to the workday can be valuable, even if some managers don’t see it that way.

Knowing your team outside work and organizing activities like holiday celebrations or games can boost morale.

Games can foster team bonding and improve collaboration. These small celebrations during work hours can refresh employees and show them they are valued.

Opting for team-building games can further strengthen your team’s connection.

6. Avoid keeping the score.

Managers have a big effect on employees. Constantly tracking their actions, whether good or bad, isn’t effective and can upset them, Nectar noted.

It’s better to stay positive, support the team, and focus on common goals.

Encouraging everyone to do their best is more productive than criticizing mistakes.

What’s the no. 1 benefit that keeps employees happy?

In Finland, Framery, a company making soundproof pods for offices, prioritizes worker happiness through flexibility.

They survey their 400 employees yearly to understand what keeps them engaged, CNBC reports.

Anni Hallila, the head of people and culture, emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, supported by flexible work schedules and breaks encouraged by company leaders.

“It’s completely normal that you can mix your personal life and work life in how you structure your workday and workweek,” Anni says. “If you need to take your kids to daycare in the morning, you can start your day earlier or come later if you need to go home for them in the middle of the day.”

At Framery, employees typically arrive between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and leave in the late afternoon without fixed hours.

While the standard workweek in Finland is 37.5 hours, employees at Framery have flexibility in arranging their daily schedules in collaboration with their managers.

Anni mentions that they discuss adjustments with the manager if a schedule causes issues for the team.

Otherwise, flexibility is allowed, with trust that the work will be completed regardless of the hours, emphasizing results over time spent.

Leaders at Framery promote regular breaks, including a weekly hour-long break for exercise, such as walking or using the onsite gym, said Anni.

“If someone goes out for a walk during the workday, we don’t think, ‘Oh, they’re slacking off or being lazy,'” Anni says. “It’s really that they’re taking care of their focus and being smart about how they balance their mental health.”

Watch NBC’s Vicky Nguyen as she breaks down the perks and benefits many companies are adding that create happy employees: