The majority of Americans are unhappy at work – but does that really matter? Aren’t people always going to grumble about work getting in the way of their lives?
Well, no actually. Bosses should be concerned about the unhappiness of their workforce. If your workforce is happy then you will see great results in the work that is produced, and happiness really is something that can filter through to the bottom line.
Here’s why:
Money
You might think your workers are solely motivated by money. You’re wrong. Yes, your employees want to be paid and, yes, part of the process of keeping them happy involves making sure that they receive their paycheck in a safe and secure way. But if your employees are only focused on the money, then it’s probably because everything else about the job is falling short.
A happy, positive and rewarding working environment is actually worth a lot and many people would happily accept a slightly lower salary in exchange for a job that doesn’t make their life utterly miserable. You might not be able to afford the biggest wages in your sector, but happiness and positivity can make up the gap and might allow you to attract employees that might otherwise be out of your reach.
Ambassadors
If employees come to work with a spring in their step, then they’re much more likely to be able to ‘sell it like they mean it’. Happy employees will be engaged in the products and services your company is selling, and sound more enthusiastic about them as a result. Engaged employees are key to helping build enthusiasm and loyalty with your customers – a key ambition for any business – and will be your best ambassadors out there ‘on the front line’. As clinical psychologist Dr Noelle Nelson puts it: “When employees feel that the company takes their interest to heart, then the employees will take company interests to heart.”
That extra ten per cent
If you feel miserable, bored or just plain demotivated then chances are you aren’t going to wring every last drop of potential out of your abilities while at work. Taking care to ensure your employees are happy in their work will give them the energy and determination to find that extra ten per cent. Now imagine that every one of your staff is happy and can find that little bit extra in their working performance? The difference to their output could be massive and you’ll certainly feel that on the bottom line.
Recruitment and retainment
Finding the right staff can be really difficult. The right people with the right talents can really make your business tick and losing them is a big blow that can cost you a lot of time and money. Happy employees are much less likely to want to hand in their notice and go elsewhere. Not only that, but companies with a reputation for being a good place to work are much more attractive to applicants and so happiness is a useful recruiting tool.
Happy employees will work harder and stay longer and they’ll be both attracted to your business in the first place and less driven by money. They’ll also be the perfect ambassadors for your company and help you to win and keep customers.
About the Author
Debbie Fletcher is an enthusiastic, experienced writer who has written for a range of different magazines and news publications over the years. Graduating from City University London specialising in English Literature, Debbie’s passion for writing has since grown. She loves anything and everything technology, and exploring different cultures across the world. She’s currently looking towards starting her Masters in Comparative Literature in the next few years.
