What makes employees happy?

Many studies have proven that happy employees are more creative and productive, and also less likely to quit. 

But, how productive are they? 

A study conducted by the Social Market Foundation found that a satisfied employee is up to 20% more productive than unhappy employees, and according to a Harvard Business Review, when it comes to salespeople, happiness has an even greater impact, increasing sales by 37%.

Building a happy team

A happy employee is one that feels valued. Being transparent and honest with your employees helps them feel valued and respected. As an employer, saying “thank you” is a simple but effective way to show your appreciation. There are different ways for you to make your employees feel happier in your company:

• Boosting work-life balance
• Be transparent and honest. Feedback and the ability to understand employee concerns is important
• Promote a positive work environment
• Offer benefits beyond the basics. Besides the salary, you can offer health benefits, gym membership, or transit benefits.
• Create a career path. Provide training and growth opportunities and developmental support
• Plan team-building activities unrelated to work

Are employees happier in small businesses?

Recruitment firm Robert Half, in collaboration with the consulting firm Happiness Works, conducted a study of more than 12,000 workers in Canada and the U.S. to gauge how happy they feel at work and where you can find the happiest employees:

• Marketing and creative roles
• Their first year on the job
• Senior executive roles
• The 55+ age bracket; and/or
• Companies with fewer than 10 people

After the analysis, probably one of the results that stood out as possibly unexpected is that the happiest employees work in small businesses. One might think that employees working in larger companies would be happier as budgets are bigger, pay and benefits are often more attractive, and there are usually more opportunities for growth and advancement. But, why?

• In small companies, everyone’s contribution makes an immediate and noticeable difference.
• Small businesses have the luxury of employees’ being able to build close working relationships.

The reasons why large organizations are unhappy are many. The size can be dehumanizing.  People may feel unrecognized and unappreciated. Hierarchy limits variety, so the size of organizations means that not everyone knows each other.

Organizational size and happiness

We are specialized in business development, so if you are struggling with your business, you want to keep growing or you just don’t know where to start, contact us!