6 ways to improve employee satisfaction

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Getting the best out of your employees goes beyond remuneration and benefits. It also includes creating workspaces that are safe, inspiring and enjoyable. Yet after years of employee engagement research shows that half of Hong Kong employees are unhappy and Hong Kong ranks last in smiling at the workplace.

Much is written about creating a welcoming company culture as this can often be defining factor for candidates choosing a job in a shirking talent pool. Especially in a city that constantly rates as having some of the longest work hours in the world.

Recruitment site cpjobs offers six proven strategies to improve job satisfaction for your employees.

Be realistic with your expectationsOften the cause of stress and anxiety is unrealistic expectations placed on employees who don't feel they are able to voice their concerns when they feel overwhelmed. Work is increasingly taking away from personal life. It may be difficult to align the companies goals with keeping workers happy. But honest and frank discussions around expectations will go a long way in this regard.

Recognise good workRealising and rewarding hard work is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve employee happiness. No one wants to feel like their efforts aren't being recognised so praise your employees when they are working hard and going the extra mile.

Focus on the long-termInstead of looking at "quick wins" keep in mind the long-term strategic goals of the company and make sure all employees are on the same page. Working towards a common goal and mission can be an extremely good motivator.

Communicate more than you shouldThere is no such thing as too much communication. In fact, a lack of communication is the most frequent cause of workplace frustration. Work on creating an open, honest communicative culture where your team is comfortable communicating their own thoughts and this starts with you sharing yours.

Care about employee well-beingShow that you genuinely care about your employees' well-being. Take a two-pronged approach. Mental well-being is often overlooked but an essential part of job satisfaction. Creating a calm anxiety free work environment can help get the best out of your employees. And physical well-being like offering to subsidise gym memberships and promoting a fit healthy lifestyle by giving employees time for exercise is both inexpensive and a great way to create better work-life balance for your employees.

Offer opportunities for learningEmployee growth is one of the most important aspects of engagement. Once employees feel like they have stagnated they will eventually get bored and look elsewhere for stimulation and new challenges. Keep star talent on board by offering them opportunities to grow in the career and the company. This could include training, a challenging promotion or a learning budget that allows employees to pursue outside interests.

ALSO READ: How to create a healthier, happier workplace

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