When it comes to running a business, in order for it to survive, you need to keep your employees happy. After all, a happy employee is likely to be more productive, loyal to your company and be committed to helping your business succeed. There are many things you can do to improve job satisfaction and provide your employees with a positive work environment. However, one of the most effective ways to do it is by offering a range of employee benefits.

Before looking at some of the benefits you could offer, ask yourself this question: how happy are my employees and do I need to do something about it?  

Be a Good Employer

It’s crucial your employees know exactly what you expect from them. Set your expectations out clearly, including details of the tasks that need doing daily, when the deadline for each job is, and what you require from them once they complete these responsibilities. Set clear boundaries, provide sound direction and be a good leader. The best way to set out the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures is to create a comprehensive employee manual. What’s more, a good manager will also talk to employees on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting.

However, to be a truly great employer, you need to know if your employees enjoy working for you. If you want to find out how they feel, why not introduce an employee engagement survey? Luckily, you can visit Inpulse.com for help doing precisely this. When you’re aware there might be a problem; it’s much easier to make solving it a priority.

Provide Training and Resources

If you want your workforce to be happy and productive, you need to make sure they have the right tools to do their job. When you introduce new systems and procedures, you need to provide every employee with training, manuals and enough time to get used to the new way of doing things.

Give your employees ample opportunity for professional and personal development and support them when they want to add to their qualifications.

Recognize a Job Well Done

If you encourage your employees to work as hard as they can and offer praise when appropriate, you’re letting them know that you value them. For small, medium and large companies, employees are the biggest asset you have. Effective HR management for SMEs and enterprise organizations have to focus on their happiness. Recognizing a job well done is a big part of any human resources strategy and one which people tend to respond very favorably to. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, be lavish or excessive; merely track the achievements of your employees and recognize them publicly.

Create a Productive Working Environment

Did you realize the layout of your office can have a profound effect on productivity? To work efficiently, people need enough room, the right supplies, materials and equipment and an environment that’s comfortable and pleasant. When people are sitting at desks for most of the day, it’s vital their equipment is ergonomic. Something else that has proved to be very effective is a concept known as ecotherapy. Consider the following:

• Provide a Connection with Nature: People feel much better about themselves, the work they’re doing and their jobs when they’ve got a connection with nature. Well-positioned plants and close proximity to windows can result in higher job satisfaction.
• Clean Air: Office buildings tend to be pretty well sealed which means that indoor air pollution can be a problem. An air purifier can make a big difference provided you ensure it’s serviced regularly and the air filters changed. Another option that requires little expense is to allow employees to keep their windows open.
• Natural Light: Make use of natural light wherever possible as it’s much better for your workforce than artificial light.
• Healthy Food Choices: Do you have a staff canteen? Make sure you offer a wide range of healthy food choices. When people eat healthy food, they’re able to think better, have increased energy levels and it improves their mood.
• Workspace Personalization: Within reason, allow your employees to personalize their workspace. Everyone needs a space to call their own – even if it’s at work!
• Family-Friendly Workplace: Balancing work and family life can be very difficult; try to be an understanding boss and allow time off for school events or when children are sick. Look into the possibility of offering subsidized child care or provide your own on site.

If your workforce feels they are an essential part of your team, they’ll be more productive and far more willing to go that extra mile for you or their co-workers. Always take your employees needs seriously and give praise openly when a job’s well done.