40 hour work weeks are commonplace in the UK and with so much time spent at work, it's important to be as happy as possible while you're there.
For employers, this means raising their employees' morale and keeping it as high as possible in order to engender creativity and productivity in the workplace. But with every worker having different wants and needs, this is no mean feat.
Enter International Week of Happiness at Work 2023!
Taking place from September 25th-29th, International Week of Happiness at Work is a week-long event designed to spread happiness among employees and help them take that happiness home, making them happier in all other areas of their lives.
But how exactly do you go about improving morale among employees? We take a look.
Build a positive work environment
A happy work environment is a top priority for employees, as it fosters contentment and reduces the likelihood of them seeking alternative employment. Constructing a positive work atmosphere that genuinely inspires employees not only boosts their job satisfaction but also minimises turnover rates.
The fundamental elements in crafting a positive work setting revolve around transparency and open communication. These elements ensure that employees can freely discuss matters of concern, thereby preventing issues from festering and negative sentiments from taking root. Such an environment also dissuades unhealthy competition among employees, fostering a culture of support and encouragement.
An easy but often overlooked way to increase happiness at work is by smiling. Smiles are powerful symbols of optimism and are one of the most accessible means of conveying happiness and positive vibes. Moreover, happiness tends to be infectious, so a cheerful demeanour can have a ripple effect, spreading happiness to others in the workplace as well.
Prioritise work-life balance
The happiness of employees in the workplace is significantly influenced by their work-life balance. When individuals are given more opportunities for balance and flexibility between their professional responsibilities and personal lives, it can result in reduced stress levels and a higher overall sense of contentment.
To improve the work-life balance of their employees, employers can:
Offer flexible working options and allow workers to work remotely where appropriate.
Encourage them to take breaks and disconnect.
Conduct regular reviews of employees’ workloads to ensure they're not trying to do too much at once.
Increase support options for parents.
Reward hard work and celebrate successes
Employees feel happy when they receive praise for their hard work and their efforts are recognized, so make time to reward noteworthy achievements by:
Taking employees out for a meal or to take part in activities like bowling.
Encouraging managers to hand out positive feedback.
Bringing treats into the office.
However, acknowledging an employee's hard work or achievement doesn't have to be a grand gesture. One of the simplest and most gratefully-received rewards is a simple 'thank you' - something employers often forget.
Get them some coffee!
As well as being scientifically proven to increase wellbeing, brighten your mood and make you feel happier, coffee also helps build work relationships by giving employees the perfect opportunity to interact with each other over a coffee break, creating a happier work environment in the process.
Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?
Whatever you do during International Week of Happiness at Work 2023, ensuring there is plenty of coffee to go around your employees and colleagues is an excellent way to kick things off. At Cafe2U, our mobile cafes are available to bring our top quality coffees to offices all over the UK and you can find your nearest one here.
