Human resources (HR) are always in the constant pressure of building a great team for the company, with the main goal to hire the right people and to keep them in the workforce for as long as possible.
To achieve this, there is always an ongoing need for the management to keep employees satisfied and happy. This pursuit of happiness in the workplace turns out to be essential in ensuring a successful and long-lasting company.
In fact, research shows that happier employees result in more productivity and creativity. They also turn out to be most committed to their jobs. To ensure a happy workplace requires the HR’s intervention in so many ways.
The goal of any organisation varies per service rendered or product sold. However, the common goal of every enterprise is closely related to building a formidable brand and strong customer network, as well as increase return on investment. Employing and maintaining competent staff and satisfying customers are among the sure ways to achieve this.
For staff effectiveness, the HR department is needed in any organisation. Usually, it serves as arbitrator between the management and staff. It ensures that the workers are treated fairly, for them to realise company and personal goals.
Meanwhile, happiness is contagious and, when encouraged, can spread throughout an entire company. Happiness employees in workplace increases productivity, encourages risk-taking, support each other, not afraid to make mistakes, make less mistakes, inspires creativity, learn faster, among others.
Employees who take joy in their work make excellent role models for their fellow workers and encourage them to also take joy in their work and this the kind of leadership any organisation needs.
HR practitioner, Tola Arowa, described the discipline as one that specialises in the strategic acquisition, deployment, development and rewarding of talents in an organisation, to helping it achieve short-, medium- and long-term goals.
“Talents/human resources or staff are resources in an organisation. They can be likened to capital or technological resources,” she said.
In a report in Guardian Newspaper, head, human resources at MacTay, Olufunmilayo Olaifa, said it is important for Human Resources (HR) practitioners and professionals in Nigeria to evolve as the world witnesses’ contemporary trends across diverse industries.
Also, the managing director of Lancelot Ventures Limited, Mr Adebayo Adeleke, noted that a happy workplace environment not only does help your employees to do their best within the company, but also helps to attract good talented people to the organisation.
He said employees who feel happiness at work tend to be more creative, innovative as well as dedicated towards their work and company than their counterparts.
He explained that “while more money can help put a smile on your employees’ faces, it’s not the only way to keep them cheerful. Boosting work-life balance, being transparent, offering cool benefits and saying ‘thank you’ more often all help boost employee morale.”
Ways Of Improving Happiness In Work Place
Consistent and meaningful praise and recognition; This is pretty simple and can be done in many ways; one suggestion is to create a regular system where employees are praised by each other for the work they have done deserving of recognition.
Offer wellbeing perks; Increased pay is not the best way to make employees happy. Offering health and wellness programs, child care and flexible working are great examples.
Invest in personal development; If employees feel that they are growing they are more likely to stay. Subsidised education, lunchtime learning sessions or even book clubs will contribute to this.
Interacting and bonding events; These help employees build positive relationships at work and can be as simple as a team lunch or as involved as activities out of the office.
Promote a positive work environment; Happy employees make for a happy company. Within the office, publicly acknowledge accomplishments, provide a group lunch, reserve a prime parking space or change a title.
Build employees up; Find people who share the operational values of your organisation from the outset, test for fit early, and allow growth opportunities to express that value.
In conclusion, a positive and happy workplace environment leads to more success in long term as it increases positive emotions and well-being. As the employees are able to develop better relationships with each other and come out of stresses easily, they are able to boost their abilities and creativity, bringing out the best for their teams. And finally, when the organisation is filled with employees who are happy, positive and loyal, higher level of organisational effectiveness is achieved.
