A happy employee is a productive employee and time and time again, science has proven this.

Research has found that when your employees are happy, it can help to boost their productivity by 12 percent. This may not seem like much, but over time this can lead to huge results for your business.

Happy employees are also more likely to stick around longer and are likely to cost you less in the long run, which is why creating happiness in the workplace is vital for your business.

If you want to create a happy office environment that promotes productivity, here are 6 easy steps to follow:

1.) Have a Clear Vision

When you have a clear vision, it allows all of your employees to be on the same page. When your employees know their role and know what they are working towards, they are more likely to stay focused and more likely to succeed.

Psychologists also tell us that having a well defined goal helps to evoke feelings of self discipline and builds a stronger work ethic.

2.) Be Transparent

It is amazing how quickly rumours can start to spread in an office environment. In order to avoid rumours or employees talking behind the company’s back, have a rule of transparency.

Let your employees know exactly what is going on and keep them in the loop about all the things that they need to know. This will help to create a peaceful office environment.

3.) Allow Employees Flexible Hours

Having a 9 to 5 work day is very soon becoming extinct. With the increase of businesses doing work overseas and online, having odd working hours is very quickly becoming the norm.

To improve employee happiness, consider allowing employees to set their own working hours. This may not be possible all the time, but giving them the freedom and flexibility to choose can create happiness and mutual understanding.

4.) Allow Employees to Work from Home

Allowing your staff to work from home is another great way to boost happiness and productivity levels.

Many studies have shown that allowing employees to work from home actually increases productivity, so why not give it a try in your work environment and see if it helps to make your staff happier.

5.) Cut back on Meetings

If you ask any employee what they dislike the most about their work environment it would be meetings. Meetings are often not very productive and can actually be a big distraction.

While it may be necessary to schedule a meeting from time to time, consider what you choose to hold a meeting for wisely.

If you can simply update your staff over email, that may be the best way to go rather than disrupting their whole day with a meeting.

6.) Have a Casual Dress Code

Allowing your employees to wear what they want is also a great way to promote happiness in the office space.

When employees can choose what they want to wear it helps them to feel more themselves and can even inspire creativity.

Having a relaxed dress code also promote feelings of relaxation and can help your employees to feel less stressed.

Why not give these 6 tips a try and see what a difference it makes for your office environment?