How Happy Are Your Staff?

If you have a problem with productivity and efficiency within your company, it can be hard to spot. This kind of problem can sneak in the backdoor and go unnoticed for some time. However, a noticeable drop in sales or production may send up red flags, particularly if you cannot see a good reason for this.

Staff morale may be the cause of this drop in productivity. You may not give too much thought about how feelings may be affecting the way that your business is performing. However, the emotional state of your staff can have a profound effect.

Managing Happiness In The Workplace

Considering the overall well-being of your entire team is vital. This means making sure that your staff feel physically able to do the job and making sure that they are feeling positive and motivated.

There are several reasons that your staff may be feeling unhappy. They could be feeling under stress due to an over-demanding workload. The targets that they are being set may be too much. Often, a lack of training can contribute to their demotivation as they may feel as though they are not contributing fully, or they might feel as though they have been let down by the company.

Bullying and social cliques can be a problem within any workplace, too, and you need to be mindful of any activity that can allow a team member to feel unwelcome.

Communication Is Key

One way of getting your staff to feel happier in the workplace is to create a culture of communication and teamwork. You need everyone to be on the same page, so hold briefing sessions, write an employee newsletter, and get out and talk to your staff.

Creating an atmosphere where you engage with your team is really important. They need to know you and feel as though they can approach you when they need to.

Hold Reviews

Sitting down every few months and carrying out performance reviews is an excellent opportunity to get into the details and discover how your staff are feeling. You can find out what motivates them and where they need your help.

Make sure and follow through on any support issues that get raised within the appraisal. You mustn't allow yourself to drop the ball and miss out on an opportunity to assist your team.

Signposting For More Complex Issues

You have a duty of care to your team, and if you pick up on any issues that may concern you, then you should address them. If your staff member seems to be abnormally stressed or even depressed, take them to one side and find out if they are having any issues either in work or outside. Ask what you can do to help. If you are concerned that there are broader issues, be sure and signpost them to someone who can help them, such as their doctor, or a counseling service. Follow up and check-in regularly with any staff that you are concerned with.