Research has consistently shown the connection between happiness and productivity. Happy employees had a 13% increase in productivity, according to one study, and each one-unit increase in happiness, on a scale of 0-10, can lead to a 12% boost in productivity, according to research published in “Management Science.”
While the connections are clear, the challenge for organizations is finding and implementing the different ways they can effectively invest in employee happiness, including everything from professional support programs to streamlined workplace processes.
How can companies support employee happiness and wellbeing?
Companies can implement many different strategies to improve employee happiness, including:
- Employee assistance programs: Offering employee assistance programs can provide confidential support for a wide range of personal and professional issues, including financial advice, legal assistance, and counseling. These programs help employees manage personal challenges, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being
- Professional development opportunities: Investing in employee growth through training programs, workshops, and career advancement opportunities can enhance job satisfaction and engagement. When employees feel that their company is committed to their professional development, they are more likely to be motivated and productive
- Recognition and rewards: Regularly recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements can boost morale and motivation. Simple gestures like employee of the month awards, public acknowledgments, and performance-based bonuses can make employees feel valued and appreciated
- Social and community engagement: Encouraging social activities and community involvement can foster a sense of belonging and connection among employees. Organizing team-building events, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings can help build strong relationships and a positive company culture, which are key to employee happiness and well-being
When companies invest in creating a more supportive and fulfilling work environment overall, they see happier, more productive employees.
How does modern intelligent worktech support employee happiness?
A comfortable workplace is crucial for employee well-being. Modern worktech solutions deliver a range of features that can transform your office environment, making it more ergonomic, collaborative, and efficient. Employees enjoy spaces that meet their needs and avoid the common frustrations that come with inefficient processes that keep them from focusing on important work.
Utilization and occupancy tracking: Create the spaces employees want and need
Tracking how different areas of the facility are being used can provide valuable insights into employee needs and preferences. Use sensors and software to gather data on space utilization, which can help identify underutilized areas and spaces that are consistently overcrowded. For example, if a particular meeting room is always overbooked, you might consider expanding it or adding more meeting spaces. By making data-driven adjustments, you can ensure that the facility meets the needs of all employees, creating a more satisfying work environment.
Analyzing occupancy trends can help you understand peak times and usage patterns. You can use this data to optimize the layout and scheduling of resources. For example, if you notice that the break room is most crowded during lunch hours, you might consider creating additional break areas. You can also schedule maintenance and repairs in the office on days with less traffic, removing distractions for both the maintenance team and office workers. By addressing trends, you can reduce congestion and stress, making the workplace more enjoyable for everyone.
VMS: Streamline arrivals and strengthen security for staff to remove delays
A manual check-in process for employees and visitors — with long lines, paper sign-in sheets, and the need to verify identities — can quickly lead to delays. Employees waste valuable time at the start of their day, and visitors can feel unwelcome and frustrated.
A visitor management system (VMS) with facial recognition technology, for example, ensures a quick and secure check-in process for both employees and visitors. Instead of waiting in line to sign in manually, people can verify their identity with a quick scan. This not only enhances security but also reduces the time spent on check-in. By streamlining arrivals and strengthening security, a VMS helps create a more efficient and stress-free start to the workday.
Desk booking: Ensure employees get the time, date, and amenities that match tasks and enable flexibility
Desk booking features in modern worktech allow employees to reserve a workspace quickly and easily. With a centralized system, employees can check desk availability in real time, book a desk with just a few clicks, and receive instant confirmation, eliminating the need for multiple emails and phone calls to coordinate, reducing the risk of double bookings, and ensuring that everyone has a place to work. AI-backed desk booking systems can even suggest the best available desks based on employee preferences, such as proximity to windows, quiet areas, or coworkers. Personalization helps employees find a workspace that suits their needs, making their workday more comfortable and productive. By getting the right time, date, and amenities that match their tasks, employees can enjoy greater flexibility and a more tailored work environment.
Room booking: Help employees focus on connection and collaboration without any “admin anxiety”
Room booking features help streamline scheduling meetings and collaborative sessions. Employees can check room availability in real time, book a room with a few simple clicks, and receive immediate confirmation, reducing the time spent on coordination and ensuring that meetings start on time. AI-backed room booking systems can also provide recommendations based on the size of the group, the type of meeting, and the equipment needed. For example, if an employee needs a room with a projector and a whiteboard, the system can suggest the best options available. Automation and intelligence help employees focus on connection and collaboration without the anxiety of administrative tasks, making the entire process more efficient and less stressful.
By integrating these modern worktech features, facility and workplace managers can significantly enhance the employee experience. A VMS with facial recognition, AI-backed desk booking, and room booking systems not only improve security and efficiency but also reduce the administrative burden on staff. These tools help employees start their day smoothly, find the perfect workspace, and schedule meetings without admin distractions, ultimately contributing to a happier and more productive work environment.
Modern intelligent worktech empowers employees, supports wellbeing
With the right combination of professional and personal support programs and streamlined places and processes, workplace leaders can invest in employee happiness to improve overall productivity. It’s a multipronged project, with a real role for intelligent worktech that helps you create spaces where employees feel safe and supported.
Ready to create a better workplace experience for everyone?
By Erin Sevitz
Erin has 15 years of experience, including 10 years in thought leadership on workplace management and the built environment. In her current role she oversees teams responsible for worktech insights and engaging Eptura’s 16,000 customers worldwide. Previously she led communications for the International Facility Management Association, a global industry nonprofit dedicated to professional development for workplace strategists, building managers, and corporate real estate.
