Absenteeism, low productivity, poor talent retention—these are chronic problems all businesses face with employee performance. They put your company at risk for decreased profitability, high turnover and low employee morale.
What if you could improve employee performance through small changes to their workplace environment? Research shows employees with a higher well-being were more productive in their jobs. One study demonstrated companies with strong health, safety and environmental programs outperformed the S&P 500.
Here are nine easy ways you can build a healthier workplace and start increasing employee happiness today.
1. Get Them Moving
How many times have you seen employees eating lunch at their desk? Taking proper breaks throughout the day is essential to increased productivity. Encourage your employees to get up, stretch their legs and go for a walk.
2. Make Room to Recharge
Along those same lines, commit to having an actual break room. Offices often lack a place for employees to unwind. Have a chat with your facilities manager to brainstorm the best place for a dedicated work-free zone.
3. Say No to Donuts
Few people can resist free donuts, but sugar is a killer for energy and health. If you have the resources, arrange for fresh fruit delivery. You’d be surprised at how apples, pears and bananas can quickly lead to a healthier workplace and help your employees to be more… fruitful.
4. Show Your Gratitude
Having a positive workplace culture is key to the psychosocial health of your employees. What better way to cultivate the good vibes than by regularly saying thank you? Being grateful for the simplest things can go a long way in making your employees feel appreciated.
5. Turn the Volume Down
Clicking keyboards, chatting co-workers, rattling air conditioners—while these ambient background noises are pretty standard, they can increase stress and aggravate blood pressure, coronary disease, ulcers and migraines.
Help your employees manage office noise by setting office quiet times, allowing headphones and installing white noise machines.
6. Let the Sun Shine
Natural light makes the world go round—literally. Exposure to sunlight promotes better sleep and boosts our mood and energy, leading to higher productivity and employee happiness.
Look for ways to cut back on fluorescent overheads and open the blinds (while nabbing energy savings to boot).
7. Bring in Some Green
No, not money (although that could certainly be a positive result). Multiple studies have found having plant life around you while you work is beneficial to productivity.
8. Start a Sports Team
Friendly competition can be a bonding experience for your workforce. Participation in a sports teams is a huge employee morale-booster that simultaneously promotes regular exercise.
9. Give Back
Charity makes people feel good. Fitness-related charity events like Tough Mudder are great for exercise and will unite your employees are a common good.
10. Bring Your Dog to Work Day
It may seem offbeat, but employees who bring their dogs to work have a reduction in work-related stress. (It’s definitely been a success at our offices!)
Having a cute pooch to pet is a sure way to increase the enjoyment quotient in the office. Just check for any allergies or phobias first.
Employees who are healthier and happier make your business more sustainable, profitable and productive. When you prioritize your employees well-being, you create a winning situation for everyone.
How can you create an even happier workplace? Download our free eBook, Elevating the Employee Experience: 7 Challenges Every Company Must Tackle, to learn how you can achieve higher employee satisfaction.
