Study Finds Employee Well-being Boosts Productivity

EMPLOYEE morale doesn’t just promote loyalty but it can actually improve how effective and productive employees are in their role, according to new research. 

A survey of 1,024 UK workers, by workplace incentives and rewards provider, One4all Rewards, and published in The 2018 Happiness Survey, asked employees from different age groups, genders and industries about the impact their happiness at work has on their productivity, revealing that 43% of workers in the education sector would work harder if they are happy in their current role or place of work. 

The research found that happiness amongst education workers goes a long way: 29% of workers said they would even be more willing to work overtime or for longer when they are happy.

The data revealed that 47% of those in the education industry say their happiness impacts their performance at work, which means employee productivity and results also see a positive effect from a happy workforce.

The data also reveals that unhappy workers may not simply leave; instead they tend to stick around and have a negative impact on workplace productivity. Despite 72% of education workers in the UK believing their boss or manager does not care about their happiness, only 31% would consider leaving their current role if they were unhappy at work. 

So how can the education industry best boost happiness and therefore productivity? 

The survey quizzed respondents about what their employers could do to improve their happiness, revealing that awarding pay rises of either 25% or 10% would, unsurprisingly, have the biggest impact (43% and 34% respectively).

However, the research revealed that several less expensive options were also effective.

20% of respondents working in education said increased recognition from their boss for their work and the contributions they make would make them happier in the workplace, while being thanked by bosses more often would also increase the morale of 15% of education workers. Token gestures like gift cards or free lunches could be used to reinforce these displays of gratitude, with HMRC’s Trivial Benefits tax exemption on such items making them a cost-effective way for businesses to bolster morale.

Alan Smith, UK Managing Director at One4all Rewards, said:

“It’s clear from the research the sheer impact a happy workforce can have on a business’ success. A large number of education workers are willing to work harder, increase productivity and their results, if they are happy and indeed their work can suffer if they are not.

“It’s important that education leaders regularly take stock of morale within their organisations and make an effort to improve it where necessary. Ensuring staff are happy in their roles and willing to work hard for the business can go a long way to help it succeed. Bosses shouldn’t just assume that if they have low staff turnover they have a happy workforce.” 

One4all Rewards are industry experts in benefits and rewards. Working with over 6,000 businesses of all sizes nationwide, One4all Rewards helps to transform customer and employee relationships through successful rewards and incentive schemes.