How to Boost Employee Happiness in 2024 & Beyond—Strategies for Success

Five suggestions  to implement now

Editor’s note: This is part two of a two part series. Part one: What’s Happening with Employee Happiness? Trends to Watch in 2024

If you read the last article, you know that employee satisfaction is slipping, and organizations need to take action to keep talent engaged and motivated. So, what’s the good news? There are practical, impactful ways to increase employee satisfaction and engagement and create a better culture of care.

Here are five company suggestions you can implement now to create a work environment that’s both productive and fulfilling:

1. Invest in a Strong Onboarding Process

New hires need support and clarity from day one. With onboarding eNPS scores at their lowest, companies should focus on developing an onboarding process that truly integrates new hires into the team and culture. Start with setting clear role expectations and providing one-on-one support to help new hires feel connected and engaged.

A strong onboarding experience not only helps retain talent but also boosts productivity early on. By the time a new hire hits their 90-day mark, they should feel like a valued member of the team, with a clear understanding not only how to operate within the team but how they can make an impact.

2. Embrace Radical Transparency

Employees need transparency to feel secure, especially in larger companies. During uncertain times, openness from leadership about company goals, restructuring, or even financial concerns builds trust and alleviates anxiety. Regular updates, open forums, and honest answers create a culture of transparency that employees appreciate.

Transparency also means listening to employees’ concerns and acting on their feedback. A “feedback-first” approach, where companies check in with employees regularly and implement their suggestions, can make a big difference in morale and engagement.

3. Build Industry-Specific Solutions

Every industry has its unique challenges, and companies need to get specific about addressing them. Tech employees, for example, need reassurance about job security in the face of automation and emerging AI. Food service workers might need more predictable schedules or higher wages. Industry-specific measures show employees that their company understands the pressures they face and is committed to supporting them.

In 2024 and beyond, organizations that succeed will be those that tailor their engagement strategies to support their industry’s unique challenges.

4. Foster a Sense of Belonging

A sense of belonging is essential for engagement. From mentoring programs to DEI initiatives, companies can take steps to ensure that all employees feel seen and valued. When employees feel like they’re part of something bigger, they’re more likely to stay, perform better, and even become advocates for their teams and the company as a whole.

Belonging isn’t just about team building; it’s about creating a culture that reflects employees’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. Companies with strong DEI initiatives are often more innovative, more resilient, and have higher levels of employee satisfaction.

5. Future-Proof Your Employee Satisfaction Strategy

By 2025, companies that succeed in keeping talent will have taken a “people-first” approach. This means creating workplaces that are flexible, transparent, and supportive. Regular satisfaction check-ins, wellness programs, and mental health resources are just a few ways to show employees that their well-being matters.

To future-proof your organization, start by making employee satisfaction a core value. When employees feel supported and respected, they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stick around.

Bottom Line

The future of employee satisfaction depends on intentional, employee-centered actions that create a culture of care. Organizations that take proactive steps now will see the rewards in loyalty, engagement, and productivity. Don’t wait for the numbers to tell you satisfaction is decreasing—start making changes that show employees they’re valued as soon as they walk through the door. Because when employees thrive, your business thrives.

Related content:

Part one: What’s Happening with Employee Happiness? Trends to Watch in 2024

Building Small Business Growth Through Happy Employees [Video]

9 Trends Affecting the Future of Work in 2023

The Pursuit of Happiness- 3 Ways to Raise Your Happiness Quotient