Improve Employee Satisfaction

Employee-Satisfaction

7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction
Good managers know that happy employees are loyal, productive employees. Below are seven areas to improve employee satisfaction.

By April Shetrone | May 18, 2011

Employee attitudes typically reflect the moral of the company. In areas of customer service and sales, happy employees are extremely important because they represent the company to the public. Satisfaction, however, is not linked solely to compensation. Sure, a raise or benefits will probably improve employee contentment, at least temporarily, but small, inexpensive changes can have a long-term impact.

Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh's book Delivering Happiness suggests that employers should follow the science of happiness. The book stresses the importance of happy employees. Since the publication of this New York Times Best Seller, Hsieh has expanded his message from to a bus tour to an entire movement.

On her happiness project blog, Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, identifies seven areas to improve happiness in the workplace. While employees can tweak their habits to improve happiness, employers can also make small changes to the seven categories. A little bit of effort can lead to happy, efficient, and loyal employees.

7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Give Employees More Control

"Happiness is affected by employee's sense of control over their lives," says Rubin.

Employers should look for ways to give employees more control over their schedules, environment, and/or work habits. For instance, employers could offer alternative work schedules such as flextime or telecommuting. Today's employees have demanding schedules outside of work, and many workers appreciate a boss who considers work-life balance. Because every person's obligations outside of work are different, customized schedules are a great way to improve employee satisfaction.

Employers should also encourage employees to customize their workstations. This could include décor and/or equipment. This not only gives employees control over their work environments, but it can ease personal barriers such as back pain or eyestrain. In addition, studies show that certain colors or décor can improve happiness. Employees will be able to create a place they enjoy working in rather than being stuck in a bland office cubicle.

Another way to give employees a sense of control is to create employee-driven competitions such as sales competitions. These activities put employees in control of their success. Each employee can set personal goals, and they will feel a sense of accomplishment rather than obligation.

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7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Ease Commuting Stress

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 86.5% of workers over the age of 16 drive to work, whether carpooling or driving alone.

"Bad commutes are a major source of unhappiness. People feel frustrated, powerless, and stressed," states Rubin.

Employers should consider ways to decrease commuting stress. For instance, employers could stagger work times to avoid heavy traffic. Review beginning and ending times and determine if the specific times or the amount of people arriving at each time can be adjusted. In addition, review late arrival policies. If employees are severely reprimanded for arriving late, they will be much more stressed during a bad commute and will arrive at the office miserable.

Another possibility is to offer telecommuting options. This eliminates the necessity of commuting and allows employees to work where they are most comfortable. Telecommuting also has a variety of benefits for the employer such as reduced costs.

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7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Stop Wasting Time

Tight deadlines are another major sources of stress for many employees. Employers can ease this stress by freeing up more time. For instance, employers can make meetings shorter and more efficient. Consider tricks that sound silly but are actually effective such as having a meeting with no chairs. People will be more likely to stick to the necessary agenda when they have to stand the entire meeting.

Whenever possible, substitute conference calls for meetings. To reduce unnecessary chitchat, make calls before lunchtime or at the end of the day. People will want to cut to the chase, so they can go to lunch or get home.

Another idea is to create organizational systems that improve efficiency. Clutter and confusion are major time zappers. Organized offices and systems ease stress, save time, and increase productivity.

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7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Encourage Social Connections

Socialization is a key component of happiness. "Interacting with others gives people a boost in mood – surprisingly, this is true even for introverts," writes Rubin.

Employers should find ways to encourage social relations. Consider an office arrangement that fosters communication. Arrange workstations so employees can see each other and talk.

Employers can also encourage office celebrations for holidays and birthdays. These celebrations do not need to be expensive. It can be as simple as asking everyone to bring in a covered dish. Even when there is no reason to celebrate, encourage employees to eat lunch together. Provide a comfortable eating area.

Socialization is not limited to office hours. Encourage out of office socialization such as volunteer programs. This gives employees a change to develop relationships outside of the office while promoting the company in a positive way. Community service is a great way to build a positive reputation, and it is a happiness booster for employees.

"Those who work to further causes they value tend to be happier and healthier, experience fewer aches and pains, and even live longer," says Rubin.

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