In today’s fast-paced society, employees experience stress in the workplace on a daily basis. Work stress combined with other mental health conditions, such as depression, impact on the productivity of employees and in turn also on the performance of companies and organisations in South Africa.
It is therefore imperative that employers pay increased attention to their employees’ wellness, especially with regards to mental health.
Here are some tips for you to try to increase happiness in the work place:
1. Recognize their progress
While giving constructive criticism helps guide people in the right direction, it’s great to also point out the good things your employees do. Acknowledge them individually and verbally show to them that you are aware of where they started and where they can possibly go to next.
2. Plan team building activities unrelated to work
While there are different positions in the workforce, it is important to gather the different areas in your business under one umbrella. Plan social gatherings or games for the crew to help build relationships.
3. Trust your employees
Delegate without micromanaging. Once you instill more trust, you both will learn. Start by giving employees more projects and in turn ask for their input on issues or ideas for the company.
4. Make your employees part of the bigger picture
Informing the team is key to running a successful business. In order to have great communication and trust, it’s great to talk about the company’s future and goals for the upcoming months or years. This will make them feel valued and demonstrate to them that their hard work is going towards something great for the company.
5. Prioritize a good work/life balance
Employers and employees all share the common aspect of learning to balance good work with a good life. Embrace the importance of work, but also understand the importance of maintaining a healthy life.
6. Be receptive to employee preference
While your business shifts and you notice areas that may need more help, it’s a great time to ask your staff their advice. Ask employees if they'd like to learn something new or improve their skills in a designated area. This helps motivate them to work harder and do the job well.
7. Set clear goals
Make sure to define the company’s goals in which employees can work together towards. While working together as a team permits productivity, it’s also great to hone in on them as individuals and help set personal goals.
8. Celebrate both personal and team milestones
As you set goals and track employees’ progress, it’s nice to take a step back from the work and see what everyone has accomplished. Make sure to celebrate the goals you all accomplished.
9. Encourage breaks
It’s important to work hard but also put value on rest periods. By allowing employees to take a breather, they'll be more productive and come back to work with a focused mindset.
10. Support innovation, whether or not it works out
A great way to include your staff in making an impact towards the company as a whole is to allow them to innovate.
Try new methods and test run them together. By allowing this, the whole team can learn what works and what doesn’t. It helps them understand their challenges and encourages growth.
11. Take an interest in who your employees are
While you may be busy with instructing employees on what to do next, it’s important to get to know them. Understanding employees as individuals is key to understanding what areas they excel in and how you can use those passions in your favour to help your business grow.
12. Don’t keep score
It’s important to not keep track of all of the good and bad results employees have produced. Remaining positive and reassuring a common goal to have everyone work towards is what is most helpful.
13. Allow workplace flexibility
While showing up to work on time and completing all tasks in a timely manner is important to keep a business flowing, it’s also great to show flexibility. If respect is shown at work, employers should respect that their employees have a life outside of work as well.
14. Say “Thank You”
Simply saying the words “Thank You” can go a long way. There is a sense of comfort and recognition that is felt when these words are heard.
