On International Happiness at Work Week, AFG LAW gives an insight in to how to increase the happiness of the workforce.
The British are a nation of hard workers. On average, we spend 34 hours and 26 minutes a week at work, totaling a huge total of 84, 365 hours over a lifetime. Given those stats, it goes without saying that our employment can have a considerable impact on our quality of life.
Ask most people what it takes for them to be happy at work and you can expect to hear points that include great terms and conditions, respect from colleagues, decent holiday and good rates of pay.
However, as the culture within the workplace changes, employers are starting to recognise that there are many other factors that contribute to this, that have a significant effect on staff wellbeing. We’ve rounded up some of the key things that employers can do that can make a big difference to staff.
Create a sense of community
Humans are sociable creatures and everyone wants to feel part of a team. Building a sense of community in the workplace will make a huge difference to an employee’s wellbeing.
At AFG, we’ve worked hard to create a sense of community through our social committee, regular get togethers in and out of work and our monthly staff lunches. We’re incredibly proud of the strong team feel that we’ve built and our new offices in Bolton and Stockport include communal space, where people can meet up, network and socialise.
We’re keen for our employees to branch out of their own team and interactive with other people from across the company, and on Happiness at Work Week we are encouraging people to spend time getting to know a colleague that they don’t usually work with.
Keep your team connected – even when remote working
Over recent years, hybrid and remote working has become the norm which is fantastic for a work life balance. However, it is still crucial to maintain a sense of team to avoid isolation or loneliness of staff who spend a lot of time working from home. In addition, many people – particularly those who live alone – crave the human interaction that comes from being “in the office”.
On top of that, the need for a space to collaborate with colleagues is of great importance for productivity.
It’s importance to keep a good balance of office and remote working- while employees will benefit from the ability to quietly focus at home when required, the extra buzz and motivation when they physically come together and work together as a team will increase.
So make sure remote workers are regularly checked in on, included in meetings and even encouraged to have short online “coffee breaks” with a colleague.
Recognise workplace stress
With our hectic lifestyles, stress is on the increase- both home and work related.
The fact that only 36% of employees are comfortable discussing their stress levels with their employer is concerning. While many employers will often say that “my door is always open”, what does this mean in real terms?
It’s important that employees know their go-to person when the going gets tough – be that HR, a Mental Health First Aider or a wellbeing officer. Details should regularly be shared companywide amongst your team, so staff have a clear point of contact.
Managers can help by being vigilant as to how their team are doing, and if you spot that someone may need a little extra support, arrange the time to take the person for a coffee and let them just talk, while you listen. And we mean really listen.
Don’t interrupt. Don’t agree or disagree. Don’t second guess what they are about to say and absolutely don’t relate it to your own experiences.
Managers can also help with regular chats with the entire team, to encourage open communication.
Remember to say thank you
It might seem obvious – but the importance of recognition for someone’s efforts should never be underestimated. It doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture – but a simple thank you, well done, great job can play a huge role in how employees perceive their workplace and in turn can increase productivity.
This can take many forms, including:
- Reward schemes
- Shout outs in the company newsletter
- Prizes from vouchers to an additional days holiday
It’s the little things
The small gestures matter. Recognising when a new parent looks tired after a tough night and offering to make them a drink. Getting lunch for someone who is stuck at their desk on an urgent piece of work. Making time to get to know the new member of the team who might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Small things can create great change, impact on happiness and ultimately, increase productivity.
It’s clear then that our happiness at work is largely dependent upon several different factors our and employers are increasingly waking up to that fact.
After all, it’s in their best interests to ensure that their workforce remains happy. In doing so, recruitment, satisfaction and retention of talent are bolstered and the risk of ‘brain drain’ is reduced. Which we have to say, has got to be a good thing.
Get in Touch
AFG LAW offer a full range of legal services for individuals and businesses alike.
Many of our services are provided UK-wide, with our physical offices located in Bolton, Bury and Stockport.
Our team are key in our mission to offer outstanding legal services, utilising their wealth of expertise and knowledge to advocate for our clients and simplify the process, cut the jargon and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Get in touch with our team today on 01204 377600.