Most employees spend a big chunk of their lives at the office. So, of course, you want the office to be a happy place! Happy employees are more engaged, creative, and productive. They’re content in their work and unlikely to seek a new position at another company.

So how can leaders create a happy work environment? Here are five suggestions:

  1. Provide training opportunities – Give your employees the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand their skill sets.
  2. Promote from within – Help employees who want to become managers to develop their leadership skills and take on these types of responsibilities.
  3. Be flexible – Allow your employees to decide how they should get their work done. In most instances, the way in which employees get work done is not really important, as long as they’re meeting deadlines and producing quality work. So give your employees room to breathe, and try not to micromanage.
  4. Reward excellence – When employees produce excellent work, acknowledge and reward their efforts.
  5. View diversity as a benefit – Having people on your team with different backgrounds, opinions, and skill sets is a huge asset. So be open to their ideas and feedback. Your employees will know that their ideas are valued, and it will make your team stronger.

 

Lawrence, D. (2016). Don’t worry, be happy. Talent Development, 70(7), 60-64.