Employee Satisfaction & The Workplace

by Nov 6, 2013

Measuring Employee Satisfaction

Every good manager knows that a happy employee is a loyal and productive employee. The attitude of your employees can most likely reflect the moral of the company. Satisfaction; however, is not linked only to compensation. A raise and benefits will definitely improve your employee’s contentment, but it may only be temporary. It is the small things that can have a longer lasting effect.

Give Employees Options

Happiness is when a person feels like they have control over their life. Giving your employees the option to be more flexible with their schedule can improve employee satisfaction. For example, employers can offer flexible work schedules and even telecommuting. A customized schedule is a great way to get your employees more content with their job.

The Stress of Commuting

The U.S. Census Bureau stated that 86.5% of employees drive to work, whether it be driving alone or carpooling. Commuting stress can definitely impact one’s mentality. Having to drive during the rush-hour traffic can be very frustrating. To top it off, your employee arrives late and he or she is reprimanded severely. Imagine how the rest of their day would unravel.

One solution to this could be to have staggering work times so your employees can arrive after the heavy traffic. Having flexible time schedules can definitely take off a lot of stress and keep your employees loving where they work.

Social Interactions

People are sociable beings and interacting with others can give a boost in mood. Employers should encourage social events such as holidays and birthdays. These social events and celebrations do not need to be expensive. It’s the very act of celebrating and eating together that brings up employee satisfaction. Provide your employees with an area they can eat together.

Socializing should not stop after office hours. Organize a volunteer program where your team can work together while promoting a positive company image. Community service is one of the great ways to boost your employee’s satisfaction while benefiting the company.

Break Up The Routines

Surprises can add a spark to your life – even in the workplace. Surprise your employees with something as small as a treat, occasionally, and people will get a sense of appreciation. It’s a small gesture, but it shows you appreciate their time and efforts they put into the company.

There are many disgruntled employees complaining about the company they work for. Be the best employer you can be and prove that your workplace has the happiest employees. This extra step might even lead to a better business.

Civility is the platform for organizational success—it is absolutely necessary for an organization to reach its goals. Download our Ebook on Seeking Civility to learn more on how to create a workplace free of bullying and abusive conduct.

 

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

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