It’s no secret; in fact, it is one of the most well-known maxims in the world of business. A happy employee is a productive employee.

Creating a good work environment where your staff feels welcomed, appreciated and valued is one of the most important things you can do for your business. However, the solution to creating this idyllic ambiance is not always an obvious. It takes a lot of effort to create the best workplace, but it is worth it.

One of the most important things to do is make your employees feel like the work they do is more than just a job; letting them know that their work is transcendent in one way or another.

A good customer service agent can brighten a client’s day and directly influence the company’s brand. While their job may be just answering the phone and taking orders, it matters to the company. It is not a daily grind, it is an important part of a team effort that helps everyone in the company succeed. Giving meaning to the daily activities will not only make employees feel better, it will lead to better work, more care and better results.

Recognition goes a long way in employee morale. In fact, many leave their jobs because they don’t feel properly appreciated.

Declaring someone the “employee of the month” is a good idea, but it is only a start. If the title doesn’t come with a tangible bonus for the staff, then people may not bother going for it. A small bonus or a day off can make a huge difference.

However, recognition doesn’t have to be about competition. Listing a group’s accomplishment, mentioning individuals at meetings and congratulating employees when they’ve reached their goals is also a great way to recognise the efforts of your staff on a daily basis.

What do your employees think about the business? Listening and offering personnel the opportunity to give feedback is also a show of appreciation. Plus it helps you get exciting new ideas for the business.

You never know, maybe one of the guys in accounting has the next big idea for the business on his mind. When an employee has a good idea it is important to let them pursue it. This way it becomes clear that employees’ opinions are being heard and that the company’s success is a team effort.

A company that takes care of its employees needs to give them a chance to feel like they are part of something important on different levels. Besides the business end of things, where recognition comes into play, it is also important to cultivate friendships and emotional bonds between employees, and take the time to get to know them.

Take the time to have a company picnic or other bonding activities. Also, create a solid relationship between the staff, and the brand. Branded items can help people feel like they’re a part of a team, especially if it is an item that is just for employees. Promotional products are often used to show appreciation for clients, but they have the same effect on employees.

Talk to your staff, create a team atmosphere and make sure everyone feels like the office is a place of trust, almost like a second home. Not only will you have happier staff, but also a healthier business.