In today’s competitive environment, companies are stepping up their benefits strategies to retain and attract top talent. From snack walls to monthly excursions, having a fun workplace has become a top priority. It is important to not let professionalism go out the window along with the formal dress code, however. HR compliance services may be a smart decision to ensure that your company remains a safe place to work. For smaller companies, outsourced HR solutions can be essential. Learn how to create a happy workplace in order to make your company an attractive and professional option for new hires.
Community First
A happy workplace is one in which employees feel that they are part of a bigger community that cares about them. While individual work is important, it is equally essential that people establish relationships with other coworkers. This helps them know that they are never alone and that they can count on others to provide support in finishing projects, contributing information, and more. Create a community feel by making an effort to say hello to employees each morning and encouraging others to do the same. Employees who know that their coworkers care about them and that they are contributing to a positive work environment for others tend to feel happier in the office.
Praise and Recognition
Most people begin to feel like it is time to leave their jobs when they feel taken advantage of, underappreciated, or undervalued. It can be the difference between staying at a company that includes all of the benefits and amenities they want and choosing to find a new role at a place that will make them feel appreciated. Timely, enthusiastic praise for a job well done is the perfect way to let employees know that the company values their contributions. Sending a quick but genuine email is often the perfect way to quickly communicate thanks, but you can also give a shout out in a team meeting if a public acknowledgement would make a bigger impact for your group.
Salary and Benefits
Praise is important, but the right salary and benefits can also go a long way in creating a happier workplace. Conduct a regular salary analysis to see if you are paying your employees a competitive wage within your industry. Benefits, such as more vacation days, a robust health care program, and even a catered lunch every so often, are also a good idea. These elements show that your company cares about employees’ wellbeing and appreciates their efforts in creating good work. In addition, fun and frivolous bonuses like a catered lunch or team outing can give employees a much-needed break and a chance to enjoy spending time with their coworkers when they are not strictly on the clock.
Dress the Office to Impress
It may seem like a small detail, but the look of your office matters when it comes to creating a happy workplace. A clean, professional, but interesting work environment can make employees feel better about their jobs and excited to go to work each day. Consider how you feel when you enter a beautifully-decorated home or a lush-looking restaurant. The atmosphere created by those interiors instantly sets the tone for your stay there, so consider the tone you want to set within your own office. What does your company value, and how can the decor and layout of the office highlight those values? Older offices with cubicles and tired decor may benefit from small upgrades like colorful paint and a different desk layout that encourages collaboration.
Scheduling Flexibility
Your employees have commitments and interests outside of the office. Flexible scheduling is therefore becoming a much higher priority for many workers. Consider implementing options like the ability to come in late or leave early, work from home, or take longer breaks when necessary. Employees will be able to maintain a better work-life balance, feel more rested and able to produce good work, and be able to attend to other commitments like their families and health without feeling guilty for taking time off to do so. Employees who feel that their companies understand their needs in this way are more likely to remain at the company longer and feel happier during their careers there.
Outsourced HR Solutions For Your Company
It is important to ensure that while your office is a fun and happy workplace, it is also a safe and HR compliant environment. Smart HR’s auditing services can spot holes in your HR strategy and help improve them to create a more secure workplace for your employees. The firm’s audit focuses on laws, policies, procedures, onboarding, recruitment, management and employee training, recordkeeping, terminations, benefits management, and performance management. Results are provided in an easy-to-read document that clearly outlines recommendations for improvement. With a stronger baseline for your HR services, your company can be both a fun and professional environment that promotes productivity and a happy workplace at the same time.
