Work isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a pain to clock in every day. The reason many employees are dissatisfied is that their companies don’t see them as actual people, only a means to an end. If you want to have happy employees, you can’t do any of these four things.

1. Overworking Your Employees

You can’t expect people to do their best work when they have a million things to juggle. Too many assignments at once can burn people out. Instead of throwing several assignments at each of your employees, give them one at a time. You can encourage them to take on new projects as one is concluding, but you shouldn’t rush them. It’s more important that they are able to finish their assignments in a satisfactory manner than to get a bunch done at once only to sacrifice the quality. Let them take their time and be proud that they focus on quality.

2. Not Recognizing Good Work

A little praise goes a long way. You don’t need to shower your employees with flattery at every moment (that would be insincere). However, you should give them praise for a job well done. One way to do this is with awards. You can help choose the winners using an employee award nomination software. You should also be sure to compliment them as often as you can.

3. Providing an Inhospitable Environment

If you could pick a word to describe your workplace, would “cozy” be up there? If not, you should ask yourself. It might be that you have dim lighting and a lack of decor. It could also be that people don’t feel a sense of morale in the workplace. You can remedy this with lively music, casual Fridays, and a more chipper office environment. After all, you want people to come into work smiling.

4. Micromanaging Everything

All employees need at least a bit of guidance. However, there’s a difference between guidance and controlling them at every turn. When you micromanage, you all but refuse to let them have any say in their work. You might want things done a certain way, but you have to relinquish control for at least a moment. Trust that your employees are capable people and they can do a great job.

Keeping your employees satisfied might seem complex, but it really only requires being cognizant of their needs. You should be paying attention to how your work environment is treating them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. Your employees will appreciate knowing that you care about their well-being.

Written by Hannah Whittenly, a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.

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