Why employee satisfaction matters more than happiness

At Workable, we’re not just in the business of creating innovative HR solutions; we also strive to build a strong and thriving company culture. As the CHRO at Workable, I often hear discussions about employee happiness and its role in the workplace.

While it’s important to cultivate a positive environment, we believe that prioritizing employee satisfaction is a more effective way to support our team and drive success.

Let’s explore why we emphasize employee satisfaction over happiness and how this approach benefits both our employees and our company as a whole.

Defining employee happiness and employee satisfaction

Before diving into our approach, let’s clarify the difference between employee happiness and employee satisfaction.

Happiness is a transient emotion that can be influenced by numerous factors, both personal and professional.

Employee satisfaction, on the other hand, refers to the overall contentment an employee feels in their role and the workplace environment.

Why we strive for employee satisfaction over happiness

At Workable, we believe that aiming for employee satisfaction yields more sustainable and meaningful results for employees and the business. Here’s why:

1. Satisfaction is a holistic approach

Employee satisfaction encompasses various aspects of the work experience, such as compensation, work-life balance, career development, and company culture. By focusing on satisfaction, we address the multiple factors that contribute to an employee’s sense of fulfillment, rather than simply aiming for momentary happiness.

2. Satisfaction fosters commitment

When employees are satisfied with their job and workplace, they are more likely to stay committed to the company and its goals. This, in turn, can lead to lower turnover rates, higher engagement, and a more productive and cohesive team.

3. Satisfaction drives performance

Satisfied employees are more motivated to excel in their roles, as they feel valued and supported by their employer. This, in turn, can lead to higher levels of productivity, innovation, and overall performance.

Satisfaction supports employee well-being: By focusing on the factors that contribute to satisfaction, we’re also supporting our employees’ overall well-being. This can translate into a healthier work environment, where employees feel more motivated, less stressed, and better equipped to tackle challenges.

Effective strategies for enhancing employee satisfaction

Let’s dive into a variety of actionable strategies that companies can adopt to elevate employee satisfaction and create a thriving workplace environment

1. Offer competitive compensation and benefits

Two-thirds of US workers and more than half of UK workers say salary is a top priority. Ensure that your company provides competitive and fair compensation packages, along with comprehensive benefits that cater to employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being. Regularly review and adjust these offerings to keep pace with industry standards and employee needs.

2. Provide opportunities for growth and development

The opportunity to learn is a huge motivator for workers – especially in tech. Invest in your employees by offering training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities. Encourage employees to broaden their skill sets and support them in pursuing their career goals within the organization.

3. Cultivate a flexible and supportive work environment

Our recent survey finds that 58% of US-based and 57% of UK-based workers put a huge value on flexible work.Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, if possible. Additionally, create policies that support employees’ needs.

4. Encourage open communication and feedback

Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their opinions, providing feedback, and participating in decision-making processes. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, town hall meetings, or anonymous feedback channels. Actively listen to employees’ concerns and suggestions and demonstrate a willingness to address them.

5. Implement recognition and rewards programs

Acknowledge and reward the hard work and achievements of your employees through various recognition programs and initiatives. This can include employee-of-the-month awards, bonuses, team celebrations & events, long service awards or personalized tokens of appreciation. Recognizing and celebrating successes can help boost morale and motivate employees to continue performing at their best.

By adopting these suggested strategies, companies can work towards fostering a more satisfied workforce, which in turn can lead to increased commitment, higher engagement, and better overall performance.

Focusing on employee satisfaction not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to the growth and success of the organization as a whole.