Are you happy in your workplace? Do you enjoy your working environment? If recent studies are to be believed, it would seem the answer to those questions is no. New research from the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) found that 47% want to change jobs. More than one in five are looking to change their role in the next 12 months – a sure-fire indicator of the changing landscape of the British job industry.
The numbers seem to be more worrying for a younger generation. A full 66% of 18-34 year olds want a new job, again showing the growing dissatisfaction people feel about their roles. However, the research also shows that many of these people are unwilling to change their careers, due to fears around financial instability.
A happy workplace is a productive one, so how can you increase the morale amongst your employees? A happy employee is 12% more productive. Whether you’re an employee or a manager, follow these top tips to make your working life more fulfilling.
Additional training
If you want to develop your skills with extra training, you are completely within your rights to request this from your employer. It shows willing and could be beneficially not only to you, but to the whole company. The worst they can say is no, but most should be receptive to the idea. Not only can it lead to you picking up new skills and feeling more valuable, it is also beneficial for the business. According to a 2011 report by Andries De Grip and Jan Sauermann, training led to a 9% increase in staff productivity.
Encourage regular staff drop ins
For a company to run successfully, communication is key. Nobody likes to struggle in the dark. Whether you’re an employee or a manager, regularly consulting one another in the workplace is a great way to keep projects moving and avoids any kind of anxiety about unclear instructions. Creating an atmosphere of friendly cooperation is conducive to a good working relationship.
An employee engagement training course is not only a way to get your employees engaged with the company, but encourages communication between management and staff as well as amongst colleagues.
Encourage positive working relationships
An open plan office helps provide an environment for all employees to communicate and socialise with one another, cross departmentally. A communication culture helps aid the spirit of cooperation in the workplace, which leads to an increase of happiness (which then leads to more productivity.) Harvard researchers Phil Stone and Tal Ben-Shahar found that students who had social support at school and at home were happier and better at dealing with stress. Carrying this kind of support into the workplace sets strong foundations for an increase in overall happiness.
Events outside of work are another great way to boost workplace relationships. Staff nights out, team meetings and office sweepstakes or sports leagues can all help increase morale. As a manager, you should be budgeting for this type of activity, as you’ll be repaid in increased productivity. As an employee, do anything you can to get involved. Even if your workplace doesn’t provide much for your team, you can set up your own internal sweepstakes or fantasy sport leagues to help boost happiness and keep things on track.
A happy employee is a productive one. Make happiness your priority and your working environment will improve.
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