Member Article

Is saying ‘thank you’ the key to keeping employees happy?

Research ahead of the International Week of Happiness at Work, which begins on 21 September, reveals that a simple ‘thank you’ from employers could be the key to keeping staff happy.

It comes as no surprise that for the 2,003 people surveyed by public sector membership club Boundless about what would make them happier at work, an increase in wages came top of the list.

But a significant one in four UK workers feel a ‘thank you’ from their boss would make them feel happier - and it looks like happiness is about a lot more than just remuneration.

Some of the key stats include: • 25% of workers feel that receiving thanks from their superior would increase their overall happiness at work – rising to nearly 30% per cent for women. • 31% of NHS workers, who were clapped every week during the pandemic by the public, say getting a thank you from their employer, too, would make them happier • A quarter of 16-24-year-olds would be happier if they worked more sociable hours, with over half saying that an increase in salary would not be the key to keeping them happy. • 1 in 3 people surveyed say they would be happier at work if they had access to more perks and benefits. • One in four workers would be happier if they worked reduced hours.

Boundless spokesperson Darren Milton said: “The average person supposedly spends a third of their life at work. Therefore, it’s no surprise that when we’re unhappy in our role this can have an effect on our mental health and ultimately spill over into other areas of our lives.

“Mental health charity, Mind, has previously highlighted how a negative work environment can result in psychological problems such as stress and anxiety and it’s remarkable to think that something as small as a ‘thank you’ could give someone the reassurance that they need.

“International Happiness at Work Week is a great initiative introduced to encourage all organisations, big and small, to ensure that the happiness of their employees is a top priority and our research clearly shows that, contrary to popular belief, this isn’t always about money.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Boundless .