Creating More Joy in the Workplace

The way we view our employment and where we place value has evolved over the past several years. At many organizations, the day-to-day grind has now been replaced with a more holistic approach, one which emphasizes the overall wellbeing of the employee.

Businesses have become more aware of the significance of creating a corporate culture where their employees feel empowered, engaged and fulfilled. During what many experts have coined “The Great Resignation,” creating more joy in the workplace is a must for companies to remain competitive.

Assess What Matters Most To Employees

According to Glassdoor, the following are most crucial to employee satisfaction:

• The culture and values of the organization
• The quality of senior leadership; and
• Access to career opportunities within the organization

Additionally, diversity and inclusion influence 3 in 4 employees and job seekers.

Collaboration and Trust

Many employees are still working from home, and expectations can get murky without a sense of belonging, feeling a part of a team.

How can leadership make employees feel supported? A recent TELUS study found three areas make the biggest impact:

• Virtual workshops and continued learning opportunities (68%)
• Weekly staff meetings and one-on-ones with managers (66%)
• Scheduled flexibility (65%)

Trusting that you have all of the information and feeling confident that your teammates who you may not see on a daily basis have your back and support you is an essential factor in feeling secure.

Flexibility = Freedom

In a recent 60 Minutes interview, LinkedIn’s Chief Economist, Karin Kimbrough, talked about the shift taking place in the workforce: “Workers want better pay and benefits, of course, but they’re also demanding autonomy and flexibility, particularly in their work schedules. And employers – large and small – simply have to respond.”

In a world of micromanagers, it can be difficult to release control. Remember, more than half of employees who feel micromanaged report a decrease in productivity. Offering team members the option of a flexible schedule where possible can benefit both parties.

Intentional Design

For in-person offices, thoughtful and functional design is a mood-boosting must. The workspace experts at Bond Collective recommend designating separate areas for socializing and collaborating, along with quiet zones where employees can work without interruption. Other suggestions include providing multiple seating options and desk configurations, such as standing desks and tables that can accommodate multiple people at one time. They also suggest bringing elements of nature into the office, keeping spaces clutter-free and clean, and incorporating natural light where possible.

Peers Over Pay

Studies have shown who we work with is more important than what we get paid. Returning to the office is a big focus, and 54% of employees cite coworkers as a top source of happiness at work. Nearly 1 in 3 workers, 32%, cite the number of hours worked each day influences their happiness as well.

Psychological Safety Brings Office Satisfaction

While millennials are the most anxious about conducting work conversations, a stunning 84% indicate they are hesitant to have a conversation with someone who supervises their work. It’s critical to be able to have an open conversation with a supervisor, as feeling safe to express an opinion is an essential key to workplace satisfaction. Employees should be able to speak respectfully yet candidly, giving feedback that could ultimately improve the quality of work or their work environment.

Keep the Office Atmosphere Interesting

Both inside and outside of the office, it’s imperative to continue to bring staff members together. Holding an outside luncheon or dinner, inviting a speaker in and setting up gatherings—both in-person and virtual—keeps the team engaged. It takes work to create an environment where employees feel enthusiastic about coming to work and confident they will have access to the resources needed to do their job well.

Strong relationships don’t just happen. What works for one office may not for another, such as encouraging employees to bring their furry friends to the office on designated days. Each particular company needs to find what will bring and keep joy in their office.

For more inspiration around creating more joy in the workplace, you may also like Creating Happiness in Your Office. Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.