Silicon Valley has figured out how to make offices a happy place to work, but having an on-site chef isn't realistic for most companies. Do these 5 things and your company will be a happy place to work.
1. Say thank you
People work hard and take pride in their accomplishments - Taking the time to acknowledge even the smallest achievement can make a person feel valued. Just make sure they are genuine thank yous.
2. Notice the little things
If an employee is happy at his or her job, they will go out of their way to add a little extra to their commitment. Whether they take on an extra assignment, stay late one night, or even clean up the kitchen area, take note. And of course, thank them.
3. Keep an open door policy
Create a “come to me anytime” system. Be open to suggestions, complaints or discussions without judgment. Because people come from different backgrounds and experiences, everyone has their own way of looking at things. By listening, you can understand what others see from their point of view instead of your own. When people feel open to talk, you can nip problems in the bud before they escalate into real obstacles or unearth substantial opportunities you may not have noticed before.
4. Offer to help
Offer to help out the team when they're faced with a deadline. Want to be even better? Insist on helping out the team. Some employees feel like they're a failure if the boss helps out.
5. Socialize other places
This doesn't mean all your employees will be best friends. You're just giving them a chance to socialize without feeling like they're slcaking off. It could be a yearly picnic, a monthly happy hour, or a softball league.
For more tips check out the full article from Entrepeneur magazine.