With the growing influx of the millennials in workplaces in India, there have been numerous changes in the ways how work is done in organizations

Gone are the days when employees accepted the authoritative office culture just to retain their high-paying jobs. What ultimately makes a difference for them now is — job satisfaction and a pleasant office atmosphere. The question is: Can the HR really ‘Make it Happen’?

With the growing influx of the millennials in workplaces in India, there have been numerous changes in the ways how work is done in organizations. But, what has changed drastically is the employers' greater realization about the value and the impact of ‘happy and engaged’ employees. 

So, what should an organization do to make it a great place to work? Well, the answer to this question is a subjective one... 

There are numerous tangible and intangible factors that may influence an individual employee's opinion of their respective workplace, such as infrastructure, appreciation from seniors, monetary compensation, rewards and recognition, exciting professional opportunities, as well as team support. But, what the human resource managers today have realized is, that the one aspect—fun at work—is fast acquiring prominence and has the maximum impact on an employee's opinion of an organization, more than the monetary factors!

Therefore, the leading companies in India are fostering a work environment that is fun and meets the needs and expectations of the employees. Such work culture inspires employees to take delight in their work and function to the best of their capabilities, which eventually reaps far-reaching benefits. 

Here are some of the ways, how the top companies in India, are facilitating ‘happiness at work’ for better employee experience:

Encourage Communication with the Management

Organizations employ various avenues to enable employees to communicate with the management such as open houses, where the team-members interact and get their concerns addressed from asking questions to their respective heads. 

Create a platform so that they interact directly with the CXOs on one stage, where the management engages in a constant dialogue with the employees. This is to determine and gauge their happiness quotient, in addition to garnering valuable feedback about their expectations from the organization. This makes employees feel valued and they get to release their pent-up feelings about work pressure if any. Additionally, HR representatives also reach out to the employees to hear their concerns and take suggestions and feedback.  The important part is for the HR to act on the feedback and suggestions provided and not make it appear just to be a formality or a ritual of receiving suggestions and feedback

Adopt Work Hour Flexibility

With changing times, the ways and patterns of the functioning of organizations are also altering. Organizations are now becoming more accommodative to the needs of the employees so that they can balance their personal and professional lives better. Consequently, they are doing away with strict log-in timings in favor of flexible timings

Some organizations also allow employees to work from home for a few days in a week to provide them with a more comfortable environment. This policy plays a key role in retaining experienced and skilled women employees, who require such flexibility to accommodate their responsibilities of motherhood. HR should be mindful of the effects that work-from-home will nurture

Organize Skill Development Programs

In this knowledge-driven economy where there are seething competition and changes taking place at a breathtaking pace, Training, and Development as a function assumes vital importance. Therefore, organizations with the intent to keep their employees abreast of the latest developments taking shape, extend opportunities for learning, and groom them on the professional and the personal fronts. While the organizations facilitate career growth, HR needs to think in terms of moving the onus to the employee for their respective ‘Skill development’

Enhance the Work-Life Balance 

Work-life balance means having enough time for work and enough time to have a personal life. Various workshops throughout the year for different interests such as photography, music, trekking, health and fitness, art and craft, and sports to enable employees to hone their skills and develop an overall personality. In addition, parenting skills, personal grooming, preparation for marriage and so on are the in-thing.

Such sessions drive a feeling of appreciation and gratitude for one another among the employees. From the HR perspective, they should have enough opportunities and occasions to involve employees' families in corporate events

Provide Healthcare and Other Benefits

Organizations, with a strong focus on employees' health and overall well-being, undertake a myriad of sessions such as medical check-up camps, lifestyle assessment checks, and, meditation. Some organizations also have an ‘Employee Welfare Trust' for providing financial aid to the employees in case of any unforeseen situations. HR not only needs to be conversant with what works and what does not but also what needs to change

Take Initiatives for Women

Organizations are extremely cautious about the well-being of their women employees. They conduct various sessions on creating awareness about women safety, health, hygiene, and equal rights. In addition, women employees have access to extended maternity leave, work from home options, and part-time or flexible working hours. HR would do well to be empathetic about lady employees concerns and suggestions

Offer Rewards and Recognition

More and more organizations are realizing the power of well-designed digitally-enabled rewards and recognition programs in creating a winning culture among employees. Such programs go a long way in boosting employee engagement as they enable leaders and employees to recognize each other—across band levels and business units—and reward great work. HR needs to create a platform of sharing and giving through well-thought HR processes, platforms, and tools

When all is said and done, creating a work environment that is fun and facilitates happiness may not be easy, but it is doable. It doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. All that is required is compassion, flexibility, inclusivity, and the right amount of imagination. 

So, let’s all aim to have more fun at work, today and every day! 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house