Every January we wish each other “Happy New Year”. But is there something we can do to actually help others have a Happy New Year? We spend so much of our lives at work. What if we could make beneficial changes to our work environment and at the same time increase employee satisfaction?
Early in my career I was hired by a company that was known for premier products and service. As dedicated professionals, our collective goal was to deliver an outstanding customer experience. Despite the high caliber of personnel and achieved sales results, there was a surprising employee turnover.
It wasn’t just that our break room was depressing with its old tables, hard chairs and lime green walls; or that the employee entrance was a rusty door opening into a poorly-lit storage room; or that water issues kept us alert for critters that may have invaded our territory. The bottom line was that the company’s owners did not value their employees as they did their customers. Essentially, a lack of regard for employees drove good people away.
Assuming that you, the employer, have done a phenomenal job of providing the necessary tools for employee success with good salaries, continuing education opportunities and empowering employees to make decisions, what else might draw people to you? What else would ensure that employees are content and feel a strong level of satisfaction? What would drive the best candidates to apply and stay?
To compare, let’s take a look at Microsoft, Google and Black Box, known for attracting the best and brightest applicants. What makes them such appealing employers? These companies have determined that employee satisfaction directly impacts work performance, job retention and the collective culture of business. While a climbing wall or 24 hour Sports Center cable feed won’t fit your business, there are other tech company design perks which can be imitated.
Select some of these to complement your business model:
• Hot & cold beverages
• Breakfast meeting once a month
• Recliners in a break/hospitality room
• Comfortable work chairs (prevent back issues)
• Work space that allows for organization
• Checkers/chess board/ jigsaw puzzles/Xbox
• Pleasant, uplifting music
• Free weekly lunch voucher
• Yoga DVD’s/ CD’s with relaxation techniques
• Softened dress code (hint: Ask families what they prefer for their services)
Those are the easy ones. Now think about the environment where you would like to spend most of your time. What are design elements that make you feel good? Just consider your own home. You want comfortable furniture, well-lit reading or work area, inviting décor, organized work/living space, stress-free relaxing space.
Does your work environment have the following elements? If not, notice the related benefit you may be missing.
Design Details Benefit
Welcoming front door Sets stage for pleasant work day
Attractive, updated décor Indicates pride in work place
Comfortable seating People suffer fewer joint/ back issues
Bright lighting Makes all feel better and more alert
Trend/updated colors Shows business is current and not outdated
Facility in good repair Shows attention to details
Coordinated furnishings Shows sense of style/class
Organized work space Evokes confidence that nothing will be over-looked
Cozy environment Encourages more comfortable interactions
Slightly relaxed dress code Dispels cold formality; more approachable
To additionally honor your employees, ask for their ideas and implement them. It is possible to create a happy new year at work. In the long run, your employees will be motivated to provide even better service because they feel respected. Not surprisingly, the ultimate outcome will be contented, returning customers – and an enhanced bottom line.
Happy New Year!