One of the things I miss from my days on a crew working industrial concrete is the camaraderie we shared. We shared a sense of accomplishment each day, we were a part of some awesome projects, and we engaged in pranks that seemed really funny at the time but in hindsight actually on occasion threaten life and limb. You’ve heard the saying, “one boy one brain – two boys ½ a brain – three boys no brain at all!”
There hasn’t been a job since where I laughed so hard and had so much fun. This job laid a foundation of principles that have stayed with me throughout my career – that things go better on the job when it’s fun when you get along with the people you work with and you have a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
In her book “The Happiness Project” Gretchen Rubin points out that happy employees are more productive, better leaders, more creative and are better team players. She goes on to share seven things that business owners can do to encourage happiness in their employees.
7 Ways to Keep Employees Happy and Productive
Recognize when employees are making progress
Giving a positive accolade can do wonders for someone. Sincere compliments often inspire a person to make the best possible use of their talents and abilities.
Make employees feel like they belong
A sense of belonging cultivates positive feelings and outcomes. Studies show it can affect motivation and desire to conform to the success of the activities one is involved in.
Take an interest in who employees actually are
Increased loyalty and dedication result when employees feel like you care about them and are giving them the tools to succeed.
Make it fun
Companies that feel “light” where people can joke around occasionally with each other have stronger cultures. When mistakes happen, people can see the funny side and are not just focused solely on the downside.
Let your employees disengage sometimes.
Working under deadlines and project pressures can cause employees to feel harassed and stressed. Encouraging them to step away and focus on their family and other personal priorities helps keep a good balance. One company I worked for had “Friday Lunch” where we went out as a crew for lunch at the company. During the summer we would go to a gun range and enjoy a variety of food, fun, and targets.
Encourage exercise and sleep
Good health and a good attitude are major contributors to productivity and feelings of self-worth.
Stop calculating everything
As a business owner, stop keeping score every time an action is taken. Don’t always be thinking, “If I did this for an employee, then they should do that.” It helps to do right not always necessarily be right.
Employees and owners in business can be happy and productive. Happy employees lead to success, more than success leads to happiness. Now is a good time to think more about employee happiness and it’s positive impact on company success and growth.
