Turn that frown upside downÖ

Research carried out by learndirect suggests that around a third of employees are discontented with their job, and the tendency of these unhappy workers to daydream costs British businesses around 40 million a day. You would be forgiven for thinking that companies would be falling over themselves to make them happier, given the difficulties most organisations currently have trying to find suitable employees.

However, thatís not necessarily the case says Suzanne Cameron, Senior Commercial Consultant at Carlton Resource Solutions (Carlton).

ìWe find that many of the individuals who register with us have left their previous role because they were no longer enjoying it. Although some simply want a change in career, there is a surprisingly large amount who tell us that despite enjoying the job itself, it was the nature of the working environment which led them to leave.î

So what can businesses do to make work a happier place for their staff in an effort to retain them? Aside from offering all expense paid holidays to The Maldives, or encouraging them to frequently indulge in profanity (as a recent study from the University of East Anglia suggested), Suzanne has these, more sensible, suggestions:

ìItís not as simple as just offering an increase in salary, because ultimately money is often not the be-all and end-all for employees. Thereís real desire amongst the countryís workforce for alternative rewards. These might include more flexible working patterns and an increased range of benefit options.

ìA little can go a long way too. Small, easily achievable changes in the short term can please staff. This leaves you free to consider the more strategic transformations such as comprehensive benefits packages and implementation of flexible working practices.î

Suzanne suggests that there are three key areas in which many businesses could improve.

Physical working environment

ìPerhaps some of the easiest changes to make are within the actual workplace itself. From spending a little money re-decorating to freshen up the office (or staffroom) to simple things like fresh flowers in the reception area, or providing things like tea, coffee, biscuits or fresh fruit.î

ìAn increasing number of employers are also beginning to provide breakfast for staff ñ like cereal, fruit juice and yoghurt, because of its importance in aiding concentration in the workplace,î continues Suzanne.

The organisational culture

ìBeing a boss doesnít mean that you canít interact with your staff for fear of losing respect ñ if anything, it will help you gain it. Management should take the time to listen to and care about what happens in the lives of their staff ñ they will appreciate being seen as humans, rather than worker robots.î

ìAdditionally, downing tools early to take time to celebrate special occasions in the office ñ births, birthdays, and engagements for instance ñ shows that colleagues and bosses take a personal interest,î says Suzanne.

ìThings like this will go a long way towards making the workplace a more unified environment, helping build team spirit and discourage any ëus and themí mentality.î

Having good work recognised and praised is a great boost for an employee too, says Suzanne, who advises against over-the-top announcements in front of the whole workplace. ìThis can often cause embarrassment. Take the individual aside and thank them sincerely instead.î

ìBe willing to back up these words of praise with a reward too,î points out Suzanne. ìIt doesnít necessarily have to be much, just proportionate to what they have achieved. For instance, if they put in some extra hours to complete a particular project this week, return the favour with a ëduvet dayí whereby they can have a long lie one day next week.î

Flexible approach to reward

Rewards donít always have to be directly earned either, believes Suzanne. ìLittle treats and surprises can be a great way to keep staff motivated and happy in the workplace. Providing an extra day off on their birthday for example is a nice bonus, as is taking the staff out for lunch or dinner regularly.

ìA degree of flexibility is greatly appreciated too. Letting staff finish fractionally earlier, or run over at lunch time, in order to receive a delivery or take a child to the dentist, can make a world of difference to how they perceive your organisation.î

ìYou hear a lot of horror stories about how some companies treat their staff, but if your workers are well treated, chances are that they will be more loyal and be less likely to look elsewhere for employment. Retaining staff is a much cheaper alternative rather than having to replace them, so businesses should make every effort to ensure the happiness of their employees,î concludes Suzanne.

Established in Aberdeen in 1981, Carlton Resource Solutions (Carlton) has grown and developed to cover all geographic regions through its operational hubs in Aberdeen and London. Recruiting for a wide range of technical and non-technical opportunities, Carlton matches candidates to employers across the full spectrum of occupations in the accountancy and finance, commercial, HR and training, industrial, information technology, technical and engineering disciplines, in both public sector and other corporate environments. Carlton recruits for permanent, contract or temporary placements. For more information call 01224 650500 or visit: