Love makes the workplace go round

In the day-to-day challenges of business, managers may have developed a perpetually stressful atmosphere in which your employees have been asked to do more with less, often with little thanks. Raises and bonuses may not be an option but you can make employees happy in other ways, and what better time than Valentine's Day to show them.

When it comes to creating an engaged workforce, a supportive manager/employee relationship is key. Happy, engaged workers are the single most important way to impact your company's bottom line. If your employees are stressed out, they are likely to be less motivated and more disengaged. This may raise a concern that unhappy workers are more likely to start looking for a job elsewhere.

Showing employees are valued and making it clear your company cares, boosts their engagement and wins them over for the long haul.

New data released from Virgin Pulse found that 60% of employees in the workplace feel that their relationship with their employer positively impacts their productivity at work, and 44% say that it positively impacts stress levels.

According to Bill Heylar, a partner at office design firm Paragon Interiors, managers at all levels from different industries have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making their workplace a more pleasant environment. A great working culture is great for business. Engaged employees leads to successful outcomes.

Here are three show-the-love strategies from Paragon-Interiors this Valentine's Day:

1. Distribute inspiration

Society tends to think of work as an obligation in the now iconic movie "Office Space". People certainly don't think of receiving inspiration and rejuvenation between 9am and 5pm. Therefore uplifting your teams spirits should be one of employers daily goals. On Valentine's share a quote or story that motivates your employees to achieve more and to go the extra mile. Valued employees are happy employees

2. Can't buy their love?

The key to employee happiness may not be what employers think. Make it clear that socialising is encouraged, as long as it doesn't get in the way of employee's performance. Help employees connect and build friendships by issuing office-wide competitions that encourage teams to come to together or promote interdepartmental connections. Why not have a Masterchef team challenge on Valentine's Day, this is a great way to increase employee morale by getting the staff excited, creating camaraderie in the office

3. Tell success stories

Even if employees downplay their achievements, everybody loves to be recognised and complimented. When someone has done something great in the organisation, tell that person that you notice their great work, and tell the rest of the team. Many employees feel that their leaders take them for granted and only point out their mistakes. Make it your Valentine's Day mission to prove that perception wrong.

This Valentine's Day make it your goal to show your employee's you appreciate their hard work. Allow them to join into your company mission and goals, and connect with the areas of life where they're most looking for your support, you'll help drive their most productive, focused selves at work and beyond. Sometimes a small gesture goes a long way.