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Satisfied employees are at the core of most successful business organizations. A recent study has shown that happy workers are 12% more productive on the job. The pros of keeping your employees far outweigh the cons. There are simple ways to go about it without breaking the bank. Sure, a raise or remunerations will likely improve employee satisfaction, at least temporarily, but minor, inexpensive changes can have a long-term impact. In the business environment where employee retention poses a challenge to employers, it is imperative for organizations to sometimes go the extra mile, just to make their employees happy. This will go a long way to guarantee the loyalty, dedication and productivity level of their employees as well as impact measurable business outcomes such as revenues and profits. On that note, here are a couple of ways to keep your employees in top shape and make them feel at home on the job: Offer flexible work options: this involves giving employees a choice to work from home, have flexible work hours and/or personalize their workspaces. Employees are happier when they feel a sense of control over their lives. A lot of them today, have arduous schedules outside the job and would appreciate a boss who gives room for work-life balance. Because every person’s commitments outside of work are different, customized schedules are a great way to improve employee satisfaction. Allowing employees personalize their work spaces also helps. It not only gives them control over their work environments, but it can ease personal barriers such as back pain or eyestrain. Furthermore, studies show that certain colours or décor can improve one’s emotions. Employees will be able to create a place they enjoy working in rather than being stuck in a bland office cubicle. Recognize and reward extraordinary output: appropriate employee recognition and rewards can provide a basis upon which job satisfaction can be built. In today’s busy work atmospheres, it’s easy to overlook nitty-gritties like a simple “thank you for a job well-done”. A few sincere words of praise lets your employees know they are appreciated. Also, little incentives and rewards will go a long way. When your employees know and feel that they are fairly compensated for the work and contributions they make to the organization, they are more likely to be satisfied employees. Show concern for their personal lives: this includes asking your employees about their families and going a little further to ensure their physical comfort. Create for them a healthy work/life balance by encouraging them to take their vacations. Allow them the time to attend their children’s school functions and permit them to leave work early to pick a child up from school. If possible, consider providing a child-care facility. This provides incredible peace-of-mind for working parents and spares them costly child-care expenses. Encourage social relations: Employers should find ways to encourage social relations. Consider an office arrangement that fosters communication. Position workstations so employees can see each other and talk. Also allow office celebrations for holidays and birthdays. These celebrations do not need to be expensive. Socialization also need not be limited to office hours or environment. External socialization such as volunteer programs and corporate social responsibility gives employees room to develop relationships outside of the office while promoting the company in a positive way. Community service is a great way to build a positive reputation, and it is a happiness booster for employees. Give room for career development: Employee satisfaction has a direct correlation to career development and growth opportunities. An environment of employee growth includes opportunities for training and acquiring new skills. When employees are bored, they are more likely to become less motivated. Improved skills allow employees contribute to the organization in an efficient manner. With opportunities for growth, employees are motivated and satisfied with their employer and don’t feel like they’re stuck in a rut. Happy employees are extremely important because they represent the company to the public. It is therefore critical to invest in those technologies, processes and activities that can keep them, within reasonable conditions, from walking out the door. It only takes a little bit of effort and you’ll have a bunch of happy, efficient, and loyal employees at your beck and call.