As a business owner or manager, you understand the importance of keeping your employees happy and motivated. While higher salaries are often seen as the primary method of increasing employee satisfaction, there are other equally effective ways to boost happiness and productivity in the workplace. In this article, we will explore three powerful strategies to achieve creating a thriving work environment that fosters contentment, engagement, and an increased overall well-being among your employees.
#3 Improve Amenities:
Providing top-notch amenities like a food hall or fitness center can significantly contribute to employee satisfaction and well-being. While you may not be able to compete with larger corporations in terms of state of the art gym equipment and Michelin star chefs, investing in employee amenities can give your company a competitive edge and make your workplace more attractive. Here are some economic ideas for how you can improve your offerings:
a. Comfortable Break Areas:
Design inviting break areas that offer comfortable seating, ample natural light, and pleasant views. Employees need a space to unwind during breaks, which can help them recharge and maintain their productivity levels throughout the day. Sitting behind a computer all day can take a toll on your employees both physically and emotionally so providing them with an alternative activity helps to keep their minds active which will lead to better ideas.
b. Take care of the vehicle they use to get to work:
I’m not talking about buying everyone company vehicles. Something as simple as a basic car wash membership would work. Coming from a person who frequently has live plants in their car, the only thing worse than being stuck in traffic is being stuck in traffic with a dirty car. You can also set up fleet accounts with your local mechanics to get discounted prices on car maintenance and repairs for your employee’s vehicles. If you want your employees to make it to the office safe, you should make sure their vehicles are running properly.
c. Health and Wellness Programs:
Promote a healthy lifestyle by providing access to wellness programs, such as yoga classes, 24 hour gym memberships, or mental health resources. These initiatives show that you prioritize the well-being of your employees, fostering a supportive work environment. On top of that, your sick pay and insurance premiums will decrease significantly.
#2 Celebrate the Wins:
Recognizing and celebrating achievements, both big and small, is a powerful tool for boosting employee morale. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to the success of the company. At Foliage Design Systems, we celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, holidays, life achievements, and anything else that can be considered winning at this game we all play. Implement the following strategies to instill more confidence in your staff:
a. Public Recognition:
Take the time to publicly acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Whether it’s through a company-wide email, a team meeting, a social media post, or a bulletin board display, highlighting successes demonstrates that you value your employees’ hard work and dedication. You might even think about creating awards to hand out to those that did exceptionally well during the year.
b. Reward and Incentive Programs:
Create reward systems that recognize outstanding performance. This can include gift cards, extra time off, free lunch, or other meaningful incentives that align with your employees’ interests and preferences. When we exceed our financial goals for the year, our staff receives a small personalized Christmas gift to help out during the holidays. Sometimes small and meaningful gifts have a greater impact than something eccentric with no thought behind it.
c. Team Building Activities:
Engage your team in fun and interactive team-building activities to celebrate collective achievements. These events foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among employees, promoting a positive work culture. Our staff enjoys going out to our local spot for celebrations. It’s our time to be around each other stuffing our faces with appetizers, brews, and a lot of laughs.
The number one, hands down, best way to create happy, healthy, loyal, and productive employees is this:
#1 Increase Your Use of Biophilic Design:
Biophilic design is an innovative approach that connects employees with nature by incorporating natural elements into the workplace. Studies have shown that integrating biophilic elements like indoor plants can have numerous positive effects on employees, resulting in increased productivity, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being.
a. Improved Concentration:
Research demonstrates that introducing indoor plants into workspaces can lead to an increase in productivity. Plants have the remarkable ability to capture our attention and improve focus, enabling employees to concentrate better on their tasks and deliver higher-quality work.
b. Enhanced Relaxation and Comfort:
Incorporating greenery into the workplace can significantly reduce stress levels among employees. According to multiple studies, the presence of indoor plants induces relaxation responses and lowers feelings of anxiety and tension. When employees feel more relaxed and comfortable in their work environment, they are more likely to remain engaged and content throughout the day.
c. Air Quality Improvement:
Indoor plants not only add aesthetic appeal but also act as natural air purifiers. NASA’s Clean Air Study identified several common indoor plants that effectively remove toxins and pollutants from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. By improving indoor air quality, you can create a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere for your employees, leading to fewer sick days and improved overall health.
d. Creativity and Innovation:
Incorporating biophilic elements has also been linked to enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, employees in offices with greenery reported feeling more innovative and inspired in their work. By fostering a creative environment, you can encourage your team to come up with fresh ideas and think outside the box.
Sources:
- Psychological and physiological effects of a green wall on occupants: A cross-over study in virtual reality
- Living walls enhancing the urban realm: a review
- Green wall impacts inside and outside buildings: experimental study
- Green Walls Reduce Outdoor Ambient Particulate Matter, Noise Pollution and Temperature
- Nasa’s Clean Air Studies
While increasing employee salaries can be an effective way to boost happiness in the workplace, it is not the only solution. By integrating biophilic design, celebrating wins, and improving amenities, you can create a work environment that promotes productivity, happiness, and improves the overall well-being among your employees. Investing in these strategies will not only lead to a more content and engaged workforce but also contribute to the long-term success of your business. Remember, a happy and fulfilled team is a productive team.
Partner with Foliage Design Systems to begin your biophilic design strategy and create happier, healthier, and more productive employees.