50 Ways to make staff happy

25. Security

Walking through dicey streets in the dark and on your own—not exactly what dreams are made of. Do us a favour and plan for physical security. Getting home in one piece is always nice.

26. Trust

If you don’t trust us to do the job then don’t hire us. But if you decide to try this wacky concept, you might notice it being returned your way.

27. Team-building exercises

Whether it’s throwing some paint on a canvas or white water rafting, throw your staff together into a fun group activity. 

28. Job satisfaction

Ask what makes staff happy during the interview process. This way you’ll know what’s expected before someone new comes on board.

29. Work environment

We spend a third of our time at work, according to Constructive Recruitment, so it pays to make it somewhere we want to be. Consider throwing in a couple of pot plants and some comfy seating, or try your hand at Feng Shui.

30. Financial support services

The cost of living is going up, but our wages aren’t. If you’d like us to smile, financial support is a great start, whether it’s an advance on a salary or distributing pay into separate accounts. 

31. Make our work agreements clear

There’s been a whole host of changes to IR laws since the recent federal election. Let us know what our rights are, because many of us no longer have a clue.  

32. Personal development

Our lives don’t just revolve around work. Education and training in areas outside of your business, such as health and fitness and financial management, are great motivational tools.

33. Meaningful work

And we want our work to mean something. What’s the point otherwise?

34. Manage expectations

We’re not mind readers and we’ll have a better chance of meeting expectations if they’re clear and measurable. Clearly communicate your expectations.

35. Challenging work

Another great motivator, it’ll keep us from becoming bored.

36. Freedom of speech

We’re keen on having our voices heard, preferably at all levels of the pecking order.

37. Flexibility

Mobility and provisions to work from home are now the go, as are flexible start and finish times. Whether we’re parents or not, mobility is ideal.

38. Variety

It’s the spice of life. Swap things around occasionally so work doesn’t become repetitive.

39. Encourage healthy habits

We’re less likely to make mistakes when we’re fit and healthy. Consider providing fresh food and snacks, gym memberships or even discounted health cover. You could also get a work sports team going and, as the employer, you shouldn’t be sitting on the sidelines.

40. Hygienic work environment

Funnily enough we don’t want to catch diseases when we come to work. Make sure the place gets a regular once-over, and don’t let bins overflow. Also, keep general cleaning products lying around for accidental spills and messes.

41. Equal opportunity

Treat us the same.

42. Recognition and thanks

There’s little point in slaving away if nobody notices and shows appreciation. This can be anything from a mention in a meeting to shouting a drink at the pub.

43. Break area

Everyone needs a place to relax, so find a quiet corner and throw in some comfy seats. Toys are cool too, especially Wiis. Offering freedom with how and when breaks are taken is always a great incentive.

44. Family friendly

We have lives outside work. Families are pretty important and we like to spend time with them. Also, if you provide family services such as childcare and carer support, you’ll come out in front.

45. Competitions

Want to liven things up? Try organising competitions focusing on businesses ideas, task performance, or anything else you can think of—be creative.

46. Office culture

Hiring like-minded team members helps—office culture and dynamics play a big part. Make your business’ culture clear from the outset and try to maintain it. Social gatherings are always great too.

47. Leave

Life has a lot to offer, and we’d like to take it up on certain things. Whether it’s maternity, paternity, volunteer or study leave, give your employees the time to do what is important to them.

48. Acknowledge special days

Cake on birthdays, Secret Santa during Christmas—yum and fun. Who doesn’t love sugar and presents? Acknowledging certain days is simple, yet effective.

49. Membership loyalty programs

Frequent flyer miles and points on the company credit card are easy to rack up when working, but why should you get the points that we work hard to earn, even if it is your company? Whatever the member reward, let your staff keep it for personal use.

50. Time for work-life balance

Everyone’s always yammering on about work-life balance, but it’s a little hard to maintain when people keep dumping paperwork on our desks. We don’t work overtime because we want to, we work overtime because it’s expected of us.

And you wonder why we sit there grumbling—it’s because we don’t have time for our family and friends anymore.

If the workload is too much for one person, then hire someone to help—the cost will be worth it in the end, because any havoc in our personal lives is sure to seep into your business. Do your part to make sure we have the necessary time to maintain balance and happiness.