How To Make Your Employees Happier and more Productive.
Five mainly effective tactics.
1. Create Training Programs
Letting ourselves to be trustworthy and vulnerable increases our self-confidence, sense of self-acceptance, and life satisfaction. But doing so in a professional atmosphere can feel scratchy without encouragement.
Companies should help create standards around sharing individual stories, uncertainties, and disappointments with colleagues by offering training program that precisely encourage and teach these behaviors. These programs create the significance of trust and support between colleagues and set a tone of truthfulness, compassion, and empathy in the workplace. This explains to closer relationships and good communications.
2. Be Open about Setbacks
People are often scared to admit faults at work generally out of a desire to appear competent to superiors or infallible to people reporting to them. But when leaders are honest about their mistakes, they help the whole organization see that vulnerability can be a sign of strength and that setbacks can be profound learning opportunities.
Strengthen this cultural norm of openness and learning by holding regular all-hands Q&A sessions where leaders talk about their work involvements both good and bad and what they’ve learned from them.
3. Offer Classes and Events That Boost Mindfulness
Working open-minded awareness of the present moment helps us focus and regulate our thoughts and emotions. Yoga and meditation classes in the workplace are great ways to help employees develop this skill, which can help them do their best work even during stressful times.
Meditation in particular has also been shown to increase levels of empathy and compassion, making us better at connecting with and supporting others. Overall, mindfulness can help to minimize workplace conflicts and increase overall camaraderie—while simultaneously boosting productivity.
4. Create Communal Spaces
Open-space offices are a common example of this strategy. But it’s just as important to provide communal workspaces in different parts of your office. Well-placed couches and armchairs not only give employees a change of scene, but also help them interact with colleagues they might not otherwise have a chance to meet
5. Connect People from Different Divisions or Teams
Happy hours, company-wide lunches, and off-sites are common ways for employees to bond in a less-structured setting. But don’t forget to also sponsor traditions that deliberately unite people who don’t often work together.
One great strategy is randomly pairing employees with colleagues from other divisions for a company-sponsored meal. Another is to give people time and resources to form cross-functional teams.