In the early 20th century managers began to seek out new ways to increase the happiness of their employees, as they found that happier workers produced better work, were more competitive and staved off burnouts for longer. Because of this, many employers have sought to find the newest ways to keep work enjoyable for people. While there is no magic formula, there are ways which can increase the company wellness and boost the happiness of your colleagues. Here are some ways to improve the wellness at work and achieve better results overall.
Be more engaging
Employees who are more actively involved and dedicated to their work are happier and produce better quality work, compared to those who feel alienated and disconnected from the team. You can achieve this by providing regular performance evaluations, benefits packages, incentives, education and recognition programmes – these give people the opportunity to work for something that benefits them, as well as providing them with a chance to better themselves and their work.
Face the challenge
We do our best work when we’re motivated to achieve, so we should be given challenges which force us to engage but that aren’t insurmountable. This puts it into perspective – yes it will be hard work, but it isn’t unachievable.
Don’t micro-manage
It’s important to give people chance to make their own choices with their work, so over supervising and micromanaging won’t help them grow as employees. That said, helping employees to feel valued and cared for also does wonders – those who take notice when a colleague appears stressed or overworked are rewarded with hard working employees.
Be flexible
People don’t like to be forced into situations, so a less rigid work schedule will help keep employees on side and stop them looking elsewhere for work. Workers who can work on their own schedule to at least a certain degree will be more efficient, less likely to call in sick and also be happier with their work and life balance.
Keep it moving
Studies show that people who fill their mornings or lunch breaks with physical activity are happier, more engaged and energetic on the job. Sitting in the same chair all day does nothing for our motivation, to say nothing of what it does for our health. Even walking around the block on your lunch break or getting up throughout the day to move from your desk will have a great impact on your mental and physical health.
Give up the commute
Long commutes account for many people’s dissatisfaction with their work life, and around five million workers phoned in sick last year because they couldn’t cope with the stress caused by sitting in transit. Obviously, employers are unable to fix the traffic problems, but they may be able to offer commuter’s compensation.
Keep the noise down
Loud noises increase the levels of epinephrine in the body which is a hormone which is involved in our body’s fight or flight response, even if we don’t feel bothered by it. This can be anything from noisy co-workers to the clatter or photocopying machines and keyboards. Simply changing up the layout to include lined walls, thick curtains and carpet to absorb the noise can subconsciously affect our mood.
Up the temperature
Keep the office at around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the best temperature for an inviting and happy office. When the office is too cold, it makes us perceive our work area as unfriendly. However, putting greenery in the office can sometimes affect our productivity, with studies suggesting it may decrease productivity or make us feel too comfortable.