The overall mood of an organization plays an incredibly significant role in employee productivity, achievement, performance, and retention. Happier employees are on average 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. Most people’s moods are greatly affected by their surroundings. Since this is true, it makes sense that many of the most productive, uplifting work environments are light, bright, and enjoyable.
By advocating for workplaces that are physically and emotionally brighter, we are not disregarding the importance of hard work and focus. In fact, there are vast amounts of research that directly indicate more lighthearted workplaces have more productive employees. This isn’t just an arbitrary correlation. The Social Market Foundation at the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy conducted a study in which they took samples of employees and exposed them to events that were designed to trigger happiness. One group was given funny clips and another was given refreshments. On average, these employees experienced a 12% boost in productivity levels. For some, their
productivity rose
by 20%. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
There are a few simple, intentional actions that employers and business owners can make to produce a more uplifting atmosphere. Something as simple as a genuine smile can make the mood in the workplace lighter and brighter. Breaks involving movement can also make the workplace more energized and enjoyable for everyone. Opening the blinds or improving the lighting can also make a huge difference. A creative buzz or hum is so much more likely in a workplace with a lighter atmosphere.
Small, tangible incentives like birthday cupcakes, drawings for concert tickets, or small excursion can make a huge difference in workplace mood. Simply gathering employees together in a room for a couple of minutes for some extra refreshments has been proven to boost productivity and employee morale. A few dollars and less than ten minutes can encourage a huge return on investment.
Lighter workplaces produce happier employees, and happier employees are more productive. This is a win-win for everyone. A healthy degree of comfort can boost communication. In fact, when employees are happier, collaboration, creativity, and cohesion are so much more abundant.
While the little things truly do add up, more significant incentives should not be disregarded. Check out the incentive structure that we have here at
CAREit
. It provides employees with the agency to handle their own incentive benefits. This promotes accountability, higher stakes, and more boosts of happiness when those goals are met and incentives are reached.