A Better Answer Blog

Happiness is an important part of any workplace. Generally speaking, employees that are happy will be more productive, produce higher quality work, and remain with the company for a longer time. While certain aspects of workplace happiness depend on good chemistry between the members of your team, there are several things you can do to improve workplace morale by improving working conditions, reducing stress, and interjecting fun into the workplace. Here are five ways to increase the level of happiness in your workplace.

1. Provide a Comfortable Work Environment

While a workplace should be professional, that doesn't mean that it must be uncomfortable. When you are not comfortable, it is hard to remain cheerful. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches. Uncomfortable desk chairs can lead to sore necks, backs, and shoulders. Take time to honestly evaluate your work environment and replace any features that are less than ideal. If you have the space to spare, you may wish to set up a relaxing area with a sofa and a few plush chairs for people to take a minute to think or bond with coworkers over their morning coffee.

2. Give Out Genuine Compliments Generously

People love to hear compliments. Even the most self-confident people need an ego boost from time to time. The key to giving a good compliment is to simply be genuine. But don't suddenly start pointing out that you like everyone's shirt or tie. While complimenting a person's outfit from time to time is fine, this type of compliment can quickly be overused, at which point it becomes a meaningless pleasantry. When you point out something that you genuinely appreciate about someone, you'll almost always get to see them beaming with happiness.

3. Really Listen When People Speak

When someone else is speaking, it is incredibly easy to become distracted by thinking about what you are going to say next, or something else altogether. But when you do this, you never know what good ideas or important information you may be missing out on. People respect someone who truly listens. Whenever someone takes the time to speak to you, tune out all other distractions and focus on what they are saying. This will make your employees feel like you truly value their contributions and respect their thoughts and ideas.

4. Lead, But Don't Micromanage

Part of being a good, effective leader is telling other people what they need to do. However, there is a difference between leadership and micromanagement. Nobody enjoys being treated like a child or feeling as though the boss is always watching over their shoulder. Once you provide the vision for a project and the course of action you will take, let your employees take personal responsibility for completing their portion on time.

5. Bring Treats Periodically

Who doesn't love fresh baked goods from the local bakery? While this may seem like such a simple gesture, small things like this can really improve happiness and morale far more than you might think. But while edible items are always a good choice, there are plenty other options to choose from, such as handing out office supplies or trinkets, team bonding activities, or planning a special event. However, as with the compliments, it is easy to overdo the treats. While it may seem like a good idea to keep a full candy jar in the break room, people are no longer touched by the meaning behind the gesture when it becomes commonplace and expected. Make these treats a random surprise and you'll always have the opportunity to enjoy the smiles on everyone's faces.