A happy workplace leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a more innovative and collaborative work environment

A happy workplace is essential. Employees are often your company’s greatest assets, and a happy workplace leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a more innovative and collaborative work environment.

Try the following steps to foster the atmosphere you want in the office:

Cultivate a positive culture: Establish a positive and inclusive company culture that values diversity, teamwork, and open communication.

Recognize and reward employees: Acknowledge and reward employees for their contributions and achievements.

Work-Life balance: Promote work-life balance and support flexible schedules when possible.

Provide opportunities for growth: Offer opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.

Effective leadership: Show strong leadership that leads by example and values the wellbeing of employees.

Open communication: Encourage open and transparent communication between management and employees.

Physical and mental health support: Promote physical and mental wellbeing through health programs and access to resources.

Celebrate successes: Celebrate milestones and successes as a team.

Create a comfortable workspace: Provide a comfortable and inspiring workspace.

Listen to employee feedback: Actively listen to employee feedback and make improvements based on their input.

—Gary R. Kaufman, executive vice president, Consolidated Packaging Group

You want your employees to look forward to spending time in the workplace every day. That won’t happen by itself; salaried employees don’t necessarily want to spend an extra minute at work. Business owners who invest in creating a happy and enjoyable environment gain employees who are excited to be there and be a part of it. They’re no longer looking at the clock all day and waiting to be free; they want to be productive and further the company’s agenda.

Creating a happy workplace isn’t too difficult. A clean office, fresh décor, coffee, and snacks go a long way. Lunch every so often helps. Be understanding when an employee needs personal time off. If you have an HR department, have them take proactive steps to ensure employees have what they need to make them enjoy their work environment.

Equally important is the feedback to employees. Everyone wants to know that their work is appreciated and valued.

—David Singer, principal, Calloway Capital

Ahappy workplace is important in order to foster stronger employee devotion. It also creates a longer commitment to the company, which negates the setbacks of recurring hiring and training.

In general, it’s important to be upbeat and positive and to create a livelier atmosphere. But that alone won’t do it.

You need to give your employees ownership of their tasks without expectations for perfection. Equally important is employee recognition and appreciation, which is a lot easier said than done. However, that is the only way.

Lunch or freebees won’t cut it. I know because I was once an employee too.

—Shmuli Meth, partner, Offshore Po

I try to play to my employees’ strengths. More importantly, I give them the latitude to run with their ideas and really contribute their talents and abilities to the company. Trying to make someone into something they aren’t makes for a lack of satisfaction all around. Of course, we have clear processes, but I embrace the individuality and uniqueness of each of my talented staff. An empowered employee is a happy employee.

—Shira Parnes, CEO, Ventura

What does it take to give a great presentation?

The landscape of public speaking and presenting has evolved significantly over the years. Today, capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention during a speech has become more challenging. In this era of overproduction and extravagant presentation techniques, it may seem that bells and whistles are the answer. However, the real key lies elsewhere.

In today’s world, there’s a growing hunger for authentic, organic, and vulnerable content. People seek something that not only feels genuine but also resonates with them on a profound level. Influencers and public speakers who exude authenticity are the ones who garner a devoted following, while those lacking in sincerity gradually lose their appeal. In the digital age, we see people actively seeking out online content that is not only helpful and insightful, but also resonates with their own experiences.

Another crucial aspect to consider is shifting the spotlight from yourself to your audience. Understand what your listeners have come to hear and how you can engage them. It’s not about what you want to promote; it’s about addressing their needs and delivering content that will genuinely engage them.

By adopting this approach, you can establish a meaningful and lasting connection with your audience.

—Shlome Steinmetz, CEO, Pivot Group

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 992)