Better Work Environment = Better Employee Satisfaction

An employee's work environment plays a LARGE role in employee satisfaction. If going to work included casual dress, flexible hours, bringing your pet and playing video games while gathering for drinks and snacks on Friday afternoons, would you mind coming to work five days a week? I don't think so.

Of course there is a difference between professional time and playtime, but I think a company should provide perks when possible. The more you consider your employees feelings and wants, the better work they'll do for you and your cause. Makes sense, but the word 'fun' is often forgotten by management.

When a company creates an environment where employees want to hang out, they will work longer hours and will produce better results. A happy, engaged employee = better work turnaround.

If you're in management, think about how you can implement fun into your workplace. Start by considering your company's mission and see if your mission to customers also considers your employees. If it doesn't you have a problem. If you start to stream your mission throughout the workplace, the more your employees will 'live' your brand and mission. Further, the more they will 'enjoy' being at work and doing their work.

Check out the places that have gotten it right by looking the Best Places to Work for 2010 released by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.