Increasing Productivity Through Happiness

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Increasing Productivity Through Happiness

Businesses are always asking how they can increase productivity in their employees. When an employer notices his workers are slacking, he or she may look to increase skill level, time management or any number of other things. A recent study in the Wall Street Journal however found more important than anything else is employee happiness.

Employees who are unhappy simply don’t do their best work. A survey taken by the same study found that employees who are happy are twice as productive, stay five times longer in their jobs, are six times more energized, and take ten times less sick leave. In addition, the study found that happy workers help their colleagues 33% more, achieve their goals 31% more, and are 36% more motivated than their unhappy colleagues. These are big differences. If these statistics are even remotely accurate, the question then becomes, how can I increase the happiness of my employees? While there are of course elements of your employee’s lives that may be out of your control, there are things that can be done in the workplace to increase happiness. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather things to consider.

Focus on individuals

This can be especially important in big companies. If someone feels they are being ignored, they probably won’t feel that their work matters as much. People need to know that others are interested in them. Take time to get to know your employees on a personal level. It may be out of your comfort zone, but that employee will give you better work.

Give good feedback

Managers need to know how to give good feedback. The Wall Street Journal study found that negative feedback, when poorly given, doubles sick leave. While correction is often necessary, it’s important to do it tactfully. And don’t just point out what people do wrong. Go out of your way to praise people for their efforts.

Reward

Create some type of system that rewards people for doing things right, not just punishes them when they do something wrong. Whether it’s in the form of monetary bonuses or something else, a rewards system will provide motivation to be productive and will also make work more enjoyable.

Have fun

People need to look forward to coming to work every day. While there is certainly a time to buckle down and work, some time can be dedicated to enjoyment. This may take the form of company games or outings. Consider a BBQ at a nearby park or a group basketball game. This will create a sense of community and people will enjoy coming to work. One blogger gives some great reasons as to “why your business needs to party”.

Each of these things will help people feel connected at work. When people feel connected to others their happiness increases and they become more productive. On the contrary, if they feel isolated they may think that they don’t belong. If they don’t feel they fit the culture of the company, they will likely stop giving their best effort. The Wall Street Journal study concludes that companies are essentially losing 100 days of work every year as a result of employee unhappiness. Imagine what your company could achieve with those extra days.

About the Author: Robert Cordray is a freelance writer and expert in business and finances. He has received many accolades for his work in reducing employee turnover.