Employees, as we all know, play a significant role in a company’s success. They are one of the pillars that support the function of the business. It is important to treat them as the most valuable assets because a company’s success is dependent on them. Their exerted efforts, commitment, and dedication at work are traits that must be maintained consistently. To do so, it is vital to give them a good quality of work life. Providing and having a good quality of work life brings to an excellent work performance and productivity.
Traditionally, when a company provides benefits such as free meals and clinical checkups, and incentives, it is already contributing to an employee’s quality of life at work. Establishing a good and comfortable workplace where people can move freely benefits the employees as well. But it does not end there. Coworkers also play a role in creating a positive work environment.
Better explanation about the factors that influence an employee’s quality of work life and how it is related on one’s productivity or work performance is provided below.
Workplace
The physical structure of a workplace has its own impacts to the employees. It is important to provide the employees an innovative workplace where they can do their task effectively but at the same time, comfortably. A suitable, useful, and convenient workplace environment improves employees’ physical and intellectual abilities in carrying out their daily duties. The safety, comfortability, ability to concentrate, and job satisfaction are also reliant to a workplace. On the other hand, work stress is a result of an unsuitable and unfavourable workplace. Consider an unorganised, filthy, and unappealing physical layout of a workplace. Also include the faulty equipment and materials, as well as noise, insufficient lighting, and temperature. Will employees be motivated and pleased as a result of all of this? It only adds to the potential annoyance and stress they may feel, in which sooner or later, can affect their productivity at work. Thus, the workplace requires an environment in which a worker can do his or her job without any negative interference.
Company Benefits
What is more reason that makes a person more dedicated, enthusiastic, and hard working? Benefits! Even the smallest and simplest benefit means a lot to an employee. Thinking of it, like a free meal given to them during lunch, already lessens their expenses for a day and it still helps them. Insurance also attracts an employee especially during hiring period. Since unpredictable things happen, it is best to be prepared and ready. Providing good insurance for the employees can also be a reason for them to stay. A flexible schedule, though not all can offer this due to demands and specificity, is also considered by the employees a good factor to look for. If not able to have a flexible work schedule, at least let the employees have a decent number of times that they can have a work leave. Establishing a gym and encouraging them to workout are also beneficial. Not only the employees will become physically fit, but it can also give them a more positive mood and better decision making in work. It is a way of caring for their physical, mental, and emotional health. Just always remember that one should also provide for the betterment of their employees. It is not a waste of money, but an investment as well. Providing them positive things will make them feel more productive which will result to a great performance.
Workplace Recognition
Once in a while, it is good to give rewards and recognition to employees. They should be rewarded for their outstanding efforts and encourage them to do even better in the near future. Giving recognition inspires employees to give their utmost best in work. It also gives them a sense of achievement and helps them feel appreciated for their efforts. The engagement with an employee is boosted through recognition, which has also been shown to promote productivity and commitment to the company, resulting in higher retention. Beyond giving an employee a positive outlook at work, it can also serve as an opportunity to demonstrate to them the company’s desired culture. Imprinting a favourable feeling in them and making them feel valued for their hard work can be advantageous to their mental and emotional health, resulting in positive outcomes.
Established Relationships
The quality of one’s work life and productivity are influenced not only by physical factors, but also by the people around him or her. Individual internal positivity is attracted by being surrounded by positive people and working in a good environment. Not only excellence and skills should be look into, but also the personality and attitude toward work and people. Workplace stress is reduced when you have colleagues you can trust and rely on. Since the majority of an employee’s time is spent at work, it is advantageous to have a good relationship between each people in work. Potential negativity should be prevented such as spreading rumours and stories about an employee, giving hate, below the belt jokes, and arguing. Privacy and equality should still be valued since every relationship has its own limitation. Employees will be uncomfortable and find it difficult to concentrate if they have a poor working relationship.
Break from Work
It is not a bad idea to give employees a break after a long and exhausting time at work. Small parties or gatherings, indoor or outdoor activities, and other recreational activities all contribute to increased work productivity. Recreation is used to provide an opportunity for socialisation and to improve relations between employees, managers, and the heads of the company. Some activities provide a platform for opportunities for skill development in areas such as leadership, fellowship or teamwork, and critical thinking. Taking a break from work and engaging in recreational activities also contribute to promoting a balanced work life. It relieves stress, aids in the prevention of job burnout, and leads to a better physical, mental, and emotional state.
It is important to keep in mind that caring for an employee’s health and well-being also means caring for their productivity and work performance. A good mutual relationship should always exist in order to achieve better results. Their work productivity is the reflection of the quality of work life offered to them.
