What makes employees happy? Our ‘tree of happiness’ results 2018
Management behaviours topped the list of what makes employees happy in our mini-survey at two recent events.
At Employee Benefits Live and the Mad World Summit this year, we asked delegates to share their tips for workplace wellbeing on our tree of happiness.
Around 29% of those who participated mentioned behaviours which leadership and management can demonstrate and influence. Suggestions included:
- ‘Take 10 minutes today to ask someone how they are feeling. Don’t comment, just listen.’
- open, honest communication
- recognition and appreciation
- giving feedback
- being inclusive
- teambuilding
- establishing and supporting a wellbeing committee.
It’s worth saying that a further 5% of people specifically mentioned the word ‘trust’.
Work/life balance featured strongly in our poll. Around 16% of people suggested that work needs to be balanced by downtime and non-work activity. Taking lunchbreaks and finishing work early on Fridays were mentioned.
A healthy mind and body were important another 16% of respondents, with healthy food, physical activity and mindfulness featuring in the comments. ‘Fresh fruit’ was mentioned more than once (although we keep saying that workplace wellbeing is more than fruit in the office, that’s not to say it doesn’t matter!).
Flexible working was the next biggest category, appearing in around 13% of the comments.
Eight per cent of people talked about promoting positive feelings at work, and another 8% mentioned special perks such as gift hampers, or being able to bring pets to work. Perhaps the two are linked?
Finally, 5% of respondents said training was important, including Mental Health First Aid training.
What can leaders do?
At PES, we believe that positive management behaviours and culture are essential to workplace wellbeing, and our mini-survey bears this out.
Many leaders know this, but don’t necessarily understand what it looks like in practice. We recently addressed this subject at a wellbeing event specifically aimed at CEOs.
PES Wellbeing can help you and/or your leadership team map out how and where to make lasting changes in your organisation. Contact us to find out more.
About PES
Delivering a great employee experience is a challenge for growing organisations. At PES, it’s what we do. Our online employee benefits platform, HR support and workplace wellbeing services bring out the best in your employees – enabling your business to thrive.
Call us on 01454 808658, email us at hello@wearepes.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form.
