Five ways to create a happy workplace

Building trust among employees is crucial to creating a healthy workplace. There are other measures too that can keep employees mentally fit. Varuni Khosla talks to experts on how such an environment can be created.

1. Take Pride in Employees

Employees need motivation and appreciation. A manager must never hesitate to compliment employees on their accomplishments. They must offer employees something so that they know they are appreciated for their work and that the company is proud of the achievements, says Sameer Sikka, chief learning officer at iAugmentor, an assessment and learning platform.


2. Work-Life Balance

With advancement in technology, stress can be reduced through flexible work schedules, telecommuting and other remote methods of getting the job done. “On the flip side, however, employers must ensure that employees are not hyper connected, and switch off from the job once the work day is over,” says Rattan Keswani, deputy managing director at Lemon Tree Hotels.

3. Open-Door Policy

Providing a warm, engaging and stress-free environment is the single most important pillar on which companies can build their corporate culture. And that process begins with the creation of physical space. Offices built in a colourful, almost playful style with exposed concrete ceilings and floor provide a relaxed environment where employees can deliver well even under pressure. Offices of senior management should have glass walls, so that anyone can come in and have a discussion on issues at the workplace, says Bruce Schwack, co-founder of Netmeds.com.

4. Well-Defined Job Descriptions

Employees perform better when the management’s expectations are laid out clearly, and are in line with their area of expertise. If employees are having trouble handling workload, and there are too many people trying to perform the same task, employers should review and update all job descriptions and shift work tasks to the employees who are well-matched, says Lemon Tree’s Keswani.

5. Employee Engagement

HR managers should reach out to everyone with weekly inspirational messages, notices of celebrations, employment milestones, as well as company achievements and awards. It is important to have a family away from a family, says Schwack.