by Laura Reynolds

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Do you ever see those happy-to-get-to-work people in the mornings? You know the ones. The perma-smile businessman in line at Starbucks, the "Have a fantastic day," neighbor, and the friendly driver who lets anyone in front of her all may have one thing in common: they love where they work.

Many employers can't understand why they have a high turnover rate, or why employees are not excited to be there. A simple solution is for employers to provide a pleasing, easy-going, and exciting workplace for the employees to come to.

Think about it. Each employee spends at least 40-hours a week at the workplace. That's a huge chunk of time! Let's go over some basic guidelines to make your workplace not only conducive to a productive environment, but also a happier, healthier staff.

Windows.

Open the windows! Don't hide them with mini-blinds. If your computer catches the glare of the sun, move your computer. Encourage employees to redecorate' their space to let some light in.

Casual or Theme Days.

Casual Friday is more common-place than it used to be, but it is still not used in many corporations. If you want to get creative, have a Hawaiian shirt day every other Friday. Understandably, you may not want, as the employer, to have all of your staff in casual clothes all the time. But once in a while, it relaxes the employees. A relaxed employee makes a happy one.

Field Trips or Special Days

Have each department go on a trip together. It could be anything from dinner, lunch, or a museum. Just plan something to get morale going, encourage relationships, and to have a little fun. Another quick and easy idea is to have special snack days. Every once in a while show some appreciation to your staff by having an Ice Cream Social. Have all the goodies ready for your group to fix their own ice cream sundaes. Give people a chance to get away from their desks and socialize. Bosses socialize with the staff and don't focus on work for fifteen minutes. Your staff will thank you.

Charity Work.

Enlist your group to get involved in the community. Have each department adopt a family during the holidays. Get people to help serve in a soup kitchen for lunch one day. Organize a donation box for children's coats or school supplies. Get office athletes involved in a weight-loss training program for those who are interested. Do something outside the office that can help staff members broaden their horizons socially. Giving back not only helps who is helped, but it also helps the people who are giving.

Having a happy working environment is something that many employers forget about entirely. Employers are more concerned with business and the bottom line, and sometimes it's easy to forget that the staff has families and outside interests. Get to know them. Get involved. Work is an extension of who most people are - make them proud to be a part of your team.

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