Four benefits of a happy office team

Work is a big part of our lives. It’s estimated that we’ll spend a third of our lives at work and spend more time with colleagues than even our family. It’s important then that we feel happy at work. So how do employees provide teams with an engaging and supportive workplace culture that encourages happiness? We take a look at some benefits of having a happy team and how it can be great for your business.

1. Happiness and health

Stressed-out employees are unhappy, unmotivated and distracted which can have a devastating effect on productivity. Unhappy employees are more likely to call in sick, arrive late or quit their jobs. If you’re a facilities or office manager, by working with your team, you can find ways to eliminate stress and worry. This will help staff retention and even lead to an instant productivity boost.

A study from the University of Warwick found that happiness at work led to a 12% spike in productivity, while unhappy workers proved 10% less productive. It makes sense that happy employees will be more enthusiastic resulting in better work and happier customers.

2. Let’s be friends

A study from LinkedIn found that 46% of people believe that work friends are important to their overall happiness* at work. For employees, fostering a culture where friendships are encouraged makes good business sense. This can be done by providing break-out areas where people can enjoy catching up over a coffee.

Also, consider having multiple meeting rooms where people can work collaboratively as part of a team. Employees can also invest in team-building activities and holding social events in and out of work to boost happiness at work. Read more in our blog, Why It’s Good to Make Friends at Work.

3. Take a break

Taking regular coffee breaks at work is also proven to boost productivity and reduce stress. So it’s important to make sure your team are getting enough of them. Too much sitting in front of a computer screen at your desk is bad for your health. It can even put you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.

Encourage your team to get up and move about regularly and insist they take a lunch break and regular coffee and water breaks. It’s vital for a healthy work/life balance so people should not neglect this simple mood-boosting tip.

Interestingly, sharing coffee breaks with colleagues has surprising benefits. A study showed that coffee drinking in groups resulted in a higher number and quality of debates. The study also found that caffeinated coffee increased the group’s focus and engagement, so make sure you’ve got a great coffee experience for your team at work. You can check out our range of office coffee machines here to get you all set up.

4. Creativity

It’s reported that happy people are three times more creative at work. Happiness increases self-confidence and can inspire greater motivation and performance. When people are thinking innovatively, they’ll therefore come up with more creative solutions that your business needs to succeed. Ultimately, feeling great means that great work will happen.

The Harvard Business Review included an analysis of hundreds of studies showing happy employees had an average of 31% higher productivity, 37% higher sales and creativity three times higher.

Get in touch

Here at FreshGround, we’ve created a workplace environment that stimulates meaningful engagement, challenges, collaboration and positivity. We understand that you also value office culture and happiness in your workplace. After all, that’s why you’re here! We can help you to create a positive and engaged team simply by supplying premium, barista-style coffee experiences at work. Just contact our team to find out more.