6 ways to cultivate employee happiness and engagement

In today’s competitive work environment, the importance of finding joy at work cannot be overstated.

Happy employees are more productive, engaged and committed, which translates into better outcomes for both the employee and the organization.

We spend most of our waking hours at work. The only other place we spend more time is in bed. According to a LinkedIn survey published in February, employees who enjoy their work are 49 percent less likely to consider a new job than employees who don’t enjoy their work.

Here are some strategies to help employees find joy in their work.

1. Create a positive work environment. Creating a positive work environment is foundational to employee happiness. Encouraging open communication, recognizing and celebrating achievements, and providing opportunities for social interaction can significantly enhance the workplace atmosphere.

• Organize regular team-building activities and social events.
• Implement recognition programs to celebrate accomplishments.
• Encourage open-door policies to facilitate transparent communication.

2. Provide opportunities for growth and development. This means different things to different people. While we all have employees who come in and do their job and that’s all they want, there are others who are looking for something more. Offering opportunities for advancement, skill development and continuous learning can keep employees motivated and engaged.

• Develop a comprehensive training and development program.
• Provide access to online courses, workshops and conferences.
• Offer opportunities to attend a state association meeting.

3. Ensure work-life balance. Yes, even in the winter season. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being. Overworking can lead to burnout, which diminishes job satisfaction and productivity. Encouraging employees to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives helps them stay energized and focused.

• Use the off-season to require employees to use their vacation time.
• Find what is important to your employees, and be flexible on what is important (e.g., hunting/fishing season, children’s events, etc.).

4. Align work with purpose. Employees of all ages want to work with purpose. Different generations use different words to describe this, but all want to find work with purpose. Helping employees understand how their roles impact the company, customers and community can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation.

• Regularly communicate the importance of the product we deliver.
• Highlight the impact of individual and team contributions.
• Involve employees in corporate social responsibility initiatives.

5. Encourage autonomy and empowerment. Allowing employees to have control over their work fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Empowering employees to make decisions and take initiative can enhance job satisfaction and drive innovation.

• Delegate meaningful tasks and responsibilities.
• Encourage creative problem-solving and innovation.
• Provide the resources and support needed to succeed.

6. Foster a sense of community. A strong sense of community within the workplace can boost morale and create a supportive network. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration helps employees feel connected and valued.

• Facilitate team projects and collaborative work.
• Create communal spaces where employees can interact.
• Allow time in the schedule for volunteer opportunities.

Helping employees find joy in their work is not only beneficial for their personal well-being but also for the success of the organization. By fostering a positive work environment, providing growth opportunities, ensuring work-life balance, aligning work with purpose, encouraging autonomy, supporting health and fostering community, employers can create a workplace where employees are happy, engaged and productive.

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Kathy Johnson is executive vice president and chief human resource officer for EDP. With more than 20 years of HR experience, Johnson has an undergraduate degree from DePaul University and a Master’s of Jurisprudence in Employment and Labor Law from Tulane University. She can be reached at kjohnson@edplp.net or 312-254-5977.