It has been proven time and time again that happy employees are better at their jobs than those who are just getting through each workday. As a manager or business owner you have the responsibility to ensure your employees are engaged and motivated every day. Here are five ideas that can help improve your employees experience and keep them happy on the job.

1. Be a good manager, but not a micromanager. A top complaint from unhappy employees is that they feel their manager is constantly over their shoulder evaluating their work even before it is complete. If you’ve said you want to hire self-starters, allow them to self-start. Let your team to use their specific skills to be successful and you’ll see great results.
2. Employee recognition. Positive reinforcement goes a long way to increasing employee satisfaction. When an employee does a good job be sure to provide them with recognition in the office. It is dangerous to assume that employees should not be told they are doing a good job because this leads to a culture where people only hear negative things.
3. Set goals and reward achievements. Challenge your employees to meet your production goals and provide fun rewards at the end of the project. Rewards don’t have to be elaborate and employees value time more than money or material goods. Allow them to enjoy a happy hour, a long lunch, or even an extra half day off work.
4. Create challenges for your employees. Studies have also shown that employee satisfaction is tied to the challenge of their jobs. Employees aren’t satisfied by coasting on the job and they want to learn more and contribute. If you see an employee becoming bored with their job duties provide them additional projects or change up their functions to get the blood flowing again.
5. Free lunches. Food is a motivator. Do you remember pizza day in elementary school? Occasionally, and randomly, cater lunch in for your employees. Not only will this make them happy but it also encourages community as your team will spend the lunch hour in the office making connections with coworkers.

Are you looking for more creative ways to engage your employees? Contact StaffEx to find out more ways we can help you!