7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Promote Good Health
Poor health is not only damaging to employees, it is detrimental to businesses. "Corporations pay a heavy cost for stress-related illnesses, such as hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and substance abuse," says Rubin.
"Up to 90% of all doctor visits in the United States are for stress-related illnesses," according to Dr. Mehet Oz of the Dr. Oz Show.
Chronic stress has a variety of negative side effects such as weight gain, lower immune system, increased risk of disease, and fatigue. Employers should encourage employees to reduce stress levels and improve their overall health.
The first step is to educate employees on health topics. Provide reading materials or offer seminars. People can't make positive changes if they don't know what to change.
Once employees know about health topics such as stress, exercising, and healthy eating, start a health related competition such as the Biggest Loser. This offers employees motivation and a support system. If the entire office is involved, employees will be more likely to accomplish their goals.
To help employees make positive lifestyle changes, have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and microwave to prepare healthy meals. Research shows that preparing food is healthier than eating out. Also, encourage breaks throughout the day. Even small amounts of exercise throughout the day are beneficial.
According to Dr. Oz, "Exercise releases serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones that become blocked during stress. Walking stairs is a great workout. One study showed that walking stairs 7 minutes a day reduces the risk of heart disease by two-thirds."
If possible, offer a company discount on gym memberships. This will encourage employees to make positive choices outside of the office and to exercise regularly.
Dig Deeper: 10 Ways CEOs can Reduce Office Stress
7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Create an Atmosphere of Growth
Jobs are more than a source of income. Jobs are a venue for employees to grow and learn. In a survey about employee motivation, employees ranked job characteristics that motivated them. Surprisingly, high wages and promotion were not in the top three. Instead, the number one desire was "Full Appreciation of Work Being Done."
Employers can create an atmosphere of growth by providing training, acknowledging benchmarks, and celebrating accomplishments. Employers should also encourage employees to take risks and learn new skills. Employees will become bored and lose motivation if they are never given an opportunity to expand their skills and responsibilities.
Dig Deeper: Employee Reward and Recognition Systems
7 Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction: Break Up Routines
Surprises add spark to all areas of life, including the workplace. "Even a small treat can boost people's happiness – and people get a bigger kick from an unexpected pleasure," says Rubin.
Employers should look for small ways to surprise employees. For instance, you can occasionally bring in a special treat such as coffee or baked goods. Small gestures show employees that you appreciate their time.
Another idea is to host an office party for a quirky holiday. Employers could even allow employees to create a holiday. Again, this does not need to be expensive. The keys are breaking up the routine of the workweek, promoting socialization, and demonstrating your appreciation.
Also consider an office give-away. You can hold a raffle or competition to motivate employees. The prize can be as simple as a gift card or as extravagant as a vacation.
If you don't think you need to improve employee satisfaction, read all the comments from dissatisfied employees on message boards such as Yahoo.
One user states, "I believe companies want good employees that work hard and are loyal but they will never get this because of the way they treat their employees."
Prove these disgruntled employees wrong. Be the best boss you can be and strive to improve happiness in the workplace. Your extra effort may just lead to a better a business.
Dig Deeper: Letting Employees Battle It Out
