Employing Staff: How to have a happy workforce

Monday 16 January is statistically the most miserable day of the year for employees, according to an elaborate scientific calculation which takes into account a number of factors including debt levels, the number of days since Christmas, levels of motivation and even the weather.

So how can you ensure that your team is happy this January?

1. Share your objectives for 2012. If your team are in the dark then they are very unlikely to have any motivation to achieve the unknown. Share your vision and set team goals to focus the team and reward them for achieving these objectives.

2. Recognise personal occasions – every member of your team will have a birthday this year and a small token of recognition means a lot to individuals (cakes or even a card is great).

3. Build a rapport with your team – find out what motivates them outside of work and take an interest. Share a few words about their favourite sports team or their hobby and they will feel included and valued as people, not just a number.

4. Celebrate success – use the 2012 Olympic theme to reward team members for good performance – exceptional achievements are great but don’t forget the individual improvements and “personal bests.”

5. Share the good news – gather feedback from clients and colleagues and pass on positive comments to team members so that they feel appreciated.