Are Brits content with their work life? Not if studies are to be believed.
New research from the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) found that 47% want to change jobs, while more than one in five are looking to change their role in the next year. Does this mean that the landscape of the British job industry is changing?
Worryingly, this figure of dissatisfaction is even worse among youths. A full 66% of 18-34-year-olds want a new job, again showing the growing dissatisfaction people feel about their roles. However, the research also shows that many of these people are unwilling to change their careers, due to fears around financial instability.
Essentially, employers need to make their employees happier — not only for them, but for the good of the company. A happy employee is 12% more productive. So, your happiness is good at both employee and management levels. Whether you’re an employee or a manager, follow these top tips to make your working life more fulfilling.
The benefits of training
Training is key to a productive, developing business — are you offering courses to your staff? Not only can it lead to you picking up new skills and feeling more valuable, but according to a 2011 report by Andries De Grip and Jan Sauermann, training leads to a 9% increase in staff productivity.
If you’re a manager and want to increase the output of your staff and boost employee retention alongside their satisfaction, consider training.
Frequently ‘touching base’ with your staff
Make time to chat with your employees and get to know them on a less corporate level. Not only will this create a stronger relationship, but it can also help productivity. Whether you’re an employee or a manager, regularly consulting one another in the workplace is a great way to keep projects moving and avoids any kind of anxiety about unclear instructions. Creating an atmosphere of friendly cooperation is conducive to a good working relationship, too.
Boost communication
Team-building is important and there are several team development programmes to help boost the workplace culture as well as communication. Better communication leads to an increase of happiness (which then leads to more productivity.) Harvard researchers Phil Stone and Tal Ben-Shahar found that students who had social support at school and at home were happier and better at dealing with stress. Carrying this kind of support into the workplace sets strong foundations for an increase in overall happiness.
Nights out, meetings, charity days and Friday quizzes can all help boost the happiness levels of a workplace. As a manager, you should be budgeting for these types of activities, as you’ll be repaid in increased productivity. As an employee, do anything you can to get involved. Even if your workplace doesn’t provide much for your team, you can set up your own internal sweepstakes or fantasy sport leagues to help boost happiness and keep things on track.
Positive workplace atmospheres create productive staff. Make happiness your priority and your working environment will improve!
