Satisfied employees are more motivated, inspired and productive. Productivity coach, Chelsea Pottenger, shares her best tips for keeping your team happy and engaged.

Employee satisfaction can make a huge difference to your workplace culture and your bottom line.  According to a Swarthmore study, workers make better decisions when they have less fear and anxiety.  Whilst stressed-out workers may be more distracted and more likely to take risks.

As a manager and team leader, it’s your responsibility to lead by example and instil confidence, respect and transparency into your employees. That way they stay motivated and inspired to do the best work they can. Here are my top tips to keeping your team happy and satisfied at work.

1. Promote a positive workplace

A Deloitte study found that 94 per cent of executives and 88 per cent of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is the key to a company’s success. The study also found a correlation between being “happy at work” and feeling “valued at work.”

A leader should never underestimate the power of walking into the office with a smile on their face. Creating a positive workplace can reduce sick leave, boost productivity and increase a company’s revenue.

How to create a positive workplace?

• Have a holistic wellbeing program in place that cares for your team’s mental and physical health.
• Give employees dates to look forward to, such as a team dinner.
• Speak kindly to each other.

2. Change your office space

The office environment plays a significant role in an employee’s overall happiness and satisfaction. According to a new study, people who spend more time in natural light compared to artificial light have increased productivity and alertness. Research also shows that adding real plants to your office decreases stress levels and increases productivity.

Ways to improve your office environment:

• Allow natural light in and avoid using artificial light all the time. If you don’t have access to natural light consider swapping to blue enriched light bulbs.
• Add plants to your office space.
• Consider playing music, such as binaural beats designed for focus and productivity. Try the EQ Minds Focus spotify playlist.

If your team is working from home, encourage them to think about the small changes they can make in their home office as well.

3. Encourage breaks

It can be easy for your team to fall into the trap of eating at your desk or staying late, however in the end this hurts employee satisfaction. While it’s important to work hard, this should never come at the cost of an employee’s mental health.

Keeping your team happy, means taking regular breaks to recharge. It’s recommended you take a scheduled brain break every 90 minutes for five minutes. Note, this break should be technology free. If we try to work non-stop for five hours our brains become fatigued and are far more likely to make mistakes.

How can you encourage breaks?

• Advocate for employees to step out of the office and soak up some vitamin D.
• Lead by example and always eat your lunch away from your desk.
• Avoid checking your phone and emails during breaks, truly give your brain a rest.

4. Create a career pathway and offer rewards

In order for employees to set goals, feel a sense of purpose and strive for more, they need to be able to see growth within their career.

By offering a pathway employees can aim towards, you will increase motivation, productivity and security. When employees can clearly see and understand the reward they are aiming for -whether that is a promotion, pay raise or another position – they have reason to work at their best.

On the contrary, if an employee cannot see a progression pathway, they will most likely look for opportunities elsewhere.

5. Listen to your employees and encourage transparency

Often, when it comes to large business decisions, employees can feel left out and forgotten. This can lead to a lack of motivation and decreased willingness to go the extra mile. Showing your employees that you care, genuinely listening to their opinions and cultivating transparent and honest working relationships will help build a culture of trust and respect.

One last tip. Leaders, don’t forget to give yourself the same care and compassion you give to your team.

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