Let’s think it through and see how to turn happiness into something that’ll fuel a competitive advantage in your company.
What would you rather have?
An employee constantly daydreaming of splashing in the surf off Malibu or skiing in Big Bear while wondering how they can rage apply for jobs at other companies? Or an employee who’s happily focused on finishing their tasks to the best of their abilities?
Happiness matters. Employees who are upbeat and positive will deliver.
In the book, The Happiness Advantage, author Shawn Achor concludes, “A decade of research proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality of life improvements.”
Think of high job satisfaction as a competitive advantage.
But can companies do anything to affect an employee’s happiness?
Create a Destination Place for Happiness and Productivity in the Office
In September 2022, a discussion on the social media platform Reddit surveyed what makes people happy in Los Angeles. Attractions like the Greek Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and Sunset Strip ranked high as did food, like the variety of ethnic foods—from Mexican and Peruvian to Thai and Ethiopian.
You’re not expected to turn the workplace into a resort, but you’re making the office a desired place to settle in and work. In the age of hybrid work schedules and remote work possibilities, create an upbeat atmosphere where people want to be. Make it part of your internal branding.
And as far as food, once or twice a year have entrees brought in that reflect the diverse tastes of Los Angeles.
Here’s what matters.
Plan Spaces
An office with an effective workflow isn’t just a random collection of desks. You need to think of who the users are and how they need unique spaces:
- Executive decision-makers
- Managers
- Full-time in-house employees with specific functions
- Remote workers
- Temporary employees
Photo: Enwork Cayman Height Adjustable Desk
An executive may spend hours at her desk, but could her office, or the area just outside the office, also serve as a strategic planning center?
Photo: Friant Anza Lounge Chair
How about creating touchdown spaces? These are more informal lounge areas where remote workers coming into the office for a meeting can sit and prepare. They also serve as meeting areas for in-office workers with an atmosphere that’s more relaxed than conference rooms.
Use Supportive Equipment
Ergonomics is key to achieve happiness and productivity in the office. Keep in mind the benefits of ergonomics and that they set the tone for happy employees. A range of products can help you achieve your goals.
Photo: AMQ Tizu Work Chair
Quality ergonomic chairs that adjust to support the lower back, elbows, and knees reduce the stress of sitting.
Photo: DeskMakers Hover Workstations
Height-adjustable desks make it possible for computer monitors to be at a comfortable eye level so any strain on the neck and shoulders is minimized.
Photo: Snowsound Corner Desk Panels
Ergonomic accessories like proper lighting are a necessity to reduce eye strain. Good lighting is more than lamps. Maximize natural light since it’s proven to boost moods and aid in a person’s natural cycle of waking and sleeping.
Physical discomfort is a distraction and results in much higher rates of absenteeism. Supporting your workers with ergonomic solutions is part of an overall wellness strategy.
Make Clear Communication A Priority
When people know what’s expected of them, then they can handle their work confidently and feel like they’re moving forward with work that matters.
Clarify your vision, mission, and goals.
Listen and address the challenges that arise.
What you’re doing is building a community where people trust each other and believe that management values them. This will lead to happiness and productivity in the office
This effort “improves processes and procedures and ultimately creates greater efficiencies and reduces costs,” as described by the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) in an article, “Managing Organizational Communication.”
Photo: Friant System2 Workstation
Make communication areas part of your office design. Managers can use cubicles like the Friant System 2 Workstation which can accommodate one to three people for meetings.
Use videoconferencing with remote workers. Everyone can hop on a call using their own laptops, but there could be advantages to having a media space with architectural walls.
Or, use a media table in a compact area. 2010 Office Furniture carries several models.
The Scale 1:1 TeleMeet Connect Table can be expanded to accommodate anywhere from six people to a few dozen staff gathered.
Install a “designated island of productivity” with the OFS Intermix Collaborative Table.
Get Help on Boosting Happiness and Productivity in the Office
Plan for a sustainable and profitable future by fostering happiness and productivity in the office. Trust input from the team at 2010 Office Furniture who have a combined half-century of helping notable clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
Planning your office space and using furnishings that bring out the best in your team will give you an edge in retaining employees who are engaged in their work.
Contact 2010 Office Furniture with your project needs and questions.
Read Also: The Best Office Spaces are Responsive to Employee Needs
Main Photo: OFS Heya Table
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: AMQ, DeskMakers, Enwork, Friant, OFS & Snowsound
