Creating a Happy and Productive Workplace
Yukthi Gunasekera discusses the link between satisfaction and productivity
Employee happiness is vital for organisational success as satisfied employees are more engaged, productive and committed to their work, asserts Yukthi Gunasekera.
Several key factors contribute to employee happiness in a corporate environment – including a positive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, recognition and rewards, work-life balance and strong interpersonal relationships within the workplace.
“To create a happy workplace, private institutions must first identify the factors that influence employee satisfaction. Regular communication with employees through anonymous surveys, focus groups and one-on-one meetings is essential,” he states.
Gunasekera continues: “By gathering feedback directly from employees, organisations can pinpoint specific areas of concern and address them effectively. Institutions should establish a culture of continuous feedback where employees feel safe to voice their opinions and suggestions without fear of repercussion.”
“By actively listening to employee concerns and acting upon them, companies can foster a more engaged and satisfied workforce,” he maintains.
He believes that leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing: “Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation and their actions directly influence the work environment.”
“For this reason, leaders should prioritise empathy, transparency and inclusivity. Management must ensure that employees feel respected, valued and supported,” Gunasekera stresses.
This means ensuring that their line managers create team environments where employees feel respected, valued, heard and supported. When leaders show a genuine interest in employee wellbeing, they create systems and processes that ensure that their staff feel happy and motivated, he says.
And as Gunasekera points out, private institutions should also focus on promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Policies such as flexible work hours, remote work options and generous leave policies can help employees manage their personal and professional lives. Encouraging the use of vacation time and discouraging after-hours work can reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.
“Employees who have a balanced life are more likely to be motivated, creative and committed to their work, leading to greater productivity and organisational success,” he posits.
To monitor and measure employee happiness, institutions can utilise various tools such as employee satisfaction surveys, pulse surveys and Employee Net Promoter Scores (eNPS). Additionally, conducting stay and exit interviews can offer valuable insights into employee experiences.
He sums up: “By fostering a culture of open communication and feedback, private institutions can ensure that they continually adapt and improve the workplace, resulting in happier employees and a more successful organisation.”
