In recent years, businesses have been spending more time and money on increasing employee satisfaction in the workplace.

Countless studies show that companies are more successful when employees are happy.  Workplace happiness increases productivity by 20%, decreases staff turnover rates, and increases collaboration and positive relationships with colleagues. So, what is employee satisfaction and why does it matter? 

What is Employee Satisfaction?

Employee satisfaction describes the amount of satisfaction or happiness employees feel with their jobs. Many things impact employee satisfaction such as individual job roles, coworkers, managers, work atmosphere, work benefits, location and more. 

Employee satisfaction is important as it affects productivity, work quality and staff turnover. Staff retention is good for business as it saves valuable training and interview time and increases your business's reputation and overall experience levels! 

5 Tips to Increase Employee Satisfaction

1. Allow Employees to Manage Their Workload and Time 

One effective way to boost employee satisfaction is by allowing employees some flexibility in managing their workload and time. Research indicates that micromanaging employees implies a lack of trust. The behaviour can result in heightened stress, dissatisfaction, less creativity and increased employee turnover. 

Providing some individual control or freedom can significantly enhance job satisfaction and confidence. However, it's important to establish guidelines to ensure this approach works effectively. Strike a balance, as too much freedom can transform into a lack of support. It's vital for employees to be aware of their weekly or daily goals and targets. Once these are clear, step back and trust them to manage their time. 

Marketing Manager, James Vicefield, from Quadrant2Design, a UK-based exhibition stand design and build contractor, believes in this policy.  He says: 

"When I assign a project to someone, I believe in empowering them with the authority and responsibility to see it through. While I am available to provide guidance and support, I trust the individual to take ownership of the project and manage it independently. This extends to all projects in our marketing department.” 

2. Increase Communication 

An effective way to improve employee satisfaction is to maintain and encourage honest and open communication with your team. Check in regularly and show them you're keen to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns. Feedback is crucial. According to Forbes, employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work! 

Encouraging communication across all departments is also important. Utilise platforms such as Trello for the company to share their ideas. 

3. Training and Investment

Show staff that you are invested in their development and longevity in the company. Make sure that employees receive thorough training and that you foster their development if the opportunity arises. When you invest in staff with training and development opportunities, you show them they are valued. Feeling valued in the workplace increases job satisfaction and staff retention. 

An example of this in practice is Quadrant2Design. The company often visit trade shows to assist in client PR, making short films about the Show Visit. To help their marketing team continue learning and developing, Quadrant2Design booked tickets for their team to attend BrightonSEO. 

Lily Adman, Quadrant2Design’s Content Writer, was part of the team that attended the conference. She says: 

“When your team invests in your training and professional development, it encourages you to work your hardest. If you invest in your team, they invest in the workplace!”

4. Encourage a Sociable Culture

A sociable atmosphere is crucial for employee satisfaction. Often people confuse sociable offices with distracted offices. However, friendly and sociable offices actually have greater productivity, stronger morale and more satisfied employees. Feeling a sense of belonging in a company also makes it more likely you will stay for longer, contributing expertise to the company. 

Make sure that staff have opportunities to socialise within the office, and outside of their workstations. This doesn't need to be a designated beanbag room or a café; it could simply be a comfortable outdoor bench area or a pleasant lunchroom.

5. Look After the Work Environment

Last but not least, the office space and design matters, Access to natural light, fresh air and good ventilation can uplift moods, increase energy levels, and enhance cognitive function. Also, integrating elements of nature into the office environment, such as indoor plants, natural materials, or nature-themed wallpaper, can reduce stress. Clean and tidy office spaces also contribute to staff wellbeing. Booking a cleaner a few times a week can help keep spaces clean! 

To Sum Up

It’s clear that employee satisfaction rates impact productivity levels, staff turnover levels, and work quality levels. Allowing employees to manage their workload and time can improve employee satisfaction and confidence. Increasing communication can help build trust and locate areas of improvement. Investing in training and development shows staff they are valued and increases staff retention rates. A sociable office increases the sense of belonging and productivity rates. Finally, try to create a workspace that is clean with good natural light to uplift moods and increase energy! If you take on these tips, you should be well on the way to good staff satisfaction levels.