Investing in employees can create happier workers. And happy workers make for more productive employees. According to a study by the economists from Warwick University, happiness leads to a 12 percent increase in productivity. Here’s what you can do to make your people happier and your office more productive.

Create a Quiet Workspace

In a survey conducted by Ask.com, 61 percent of the employees who responded said that loud coworkers were the biggest distraction at work. Additionally, the same survey revealed that 86 percent of the employees preferred to work alone at the workplace. While it’s highly unrealistic to issue a no-talking policy, you can create quiet spaces where your employees have privacy and some peace and quiet in your office or consider creating zones where employees are encouraged to talk and discuss ideas freely. This way everyone can get more done.

Let in the Light

Taylor Johnson, hiring manager and business plan expert at Business Plan Daily, says that a well-lit office is a productive office; a poorly lit workspace can cause eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision, three factors not conducive to a productive team. Johnson also states that a well-lit office can keep employees productive and engaged throughout the entire day. If using natural light in your office isn’t an option, consider using lights with adjustable shade filters for a natural light effect. Lighting options for all areas of the office can be customized with a little help from the lighting experts at Philips. Philips Lighting provides solutions for even the darkest corners of your office space.

Embrace the 40-Hour Workweek

While you may think that more hours means getting more work done at the office, it is simply not true. In fact, when your employees are working more than the typical 40 hours a week, productivity is actually suffering. According to recent research from Stanford University, productivity declines and suffers greatly during a 50-hour work week and after 55-hours you can kiss any productivity goodbye. Long hours also contribute to turnover and absenteeism. Keep your employees happy and commit to 40 hours.

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Talk About Telecommuting

Again, research from Stanford University is busting the myths about workplace productivity. Researchers found that telecommuters are 14 percent more productive than their office-bound counterparts. Embracing a flexible telecommuting policy might just make your people more productive. Research out of Penn State also found that telecommuting increased employee job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction. Additionally, this type of working structure bettered the relationships between bosses and employees, too.

Offer Gym Memberships

Regular exercise can have a huge impact on workplace productivity. Experts agree that regular exercise is linked to alertness and energy, improved mental health and the ability to deal with high-pressure and stress and even illness prevention, all of which are factors that contribute to a productive workspace. Simply offering access to gym memberships to clubs like 24 Hour Fitness, for example, can work wonders for your employees and your bottom line, too. Just 30 minutes of exercise for five days each week can lead to better health as well. That means less sick days and call outs from your people.

Hire us as your business development consultants, social media marketing consultants and web design consultants to help, advise, guide and inspire you to accomplish your most important business goals.

To learn more about networking, social media marketing and website design that can help you grow your business, contact The Sherwood Group today.

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This article is published by The Sherwood Group: Website Design, Graphic Design, and Social Media Marketing: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large, in both the services and business-to-business categories. Our goal is to create websites, graphic design projects, and social media marketing programs that still look fresh and relevant 10-15 years from now. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering, Now what do we do?” We are located in North Myrtle Beach, SC, USA.