What do you think makes a happy working environment? Share your views with Xero and you could win a £100 Apple voucher. NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Xero, an app for small businesses that makes managing finances easy, wants to know what you think makes a happy working environment.

If you run a business – or if you've ever thought about doing so – what would you do to make it happy? What does your employer do that makes you happy in the workplace? And if you're not working at the moment, what do you think would make you happy at work now?

Maybe it's flexible working hours, the best technology, great relationships with your work mates or the freedom to get creative.

Here is what they say: "At Xero, we believe a happy business is a beautiful thing. So we've launched the Business of Happiness project to help define what makes a business happy, championing those who are doing it well and supporting those who need a helping hand."

Please share your thoughts on this thread. Every MNer who posts a comment will be entered into a prize draw, where one MNer will win a £100 Apple voucher, which can be used at an Apple Retail Store or in the Apple Online Store.

Find out more about Xero's Business of Happiness campaign here.

Standard Insight T&Cs apply. Note, anon comments may be used by Xero on their website and on social media.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

To feel valued and for them to understand I need time off when my daughter is ill or to cover some school holidays and watch sports day/concerts

All staff to be treated with respect by management.

Staff to be trusted to fulfil their role (provided they have a track record of doing so previously)

Clear, unambiguous communication so that misunderstandings are less likely to happen.

Hard work to be recognised and praised.

Staff to have the opportunity to develop skills though specific training if necessary.

Humour, equality, praise, feeling valued and flexibilty

Working for a company that understands and promotes the importance if a good work/life balance

Part of my role is to chat:) our consultants work all over the world in different time zones and from home, with multi nationals. So I get to call them up and have a water cooler convo in virtual. I do this whenever- I might get a Skype call late at night from co worker. I'm ok with that. I log my time and balance it against my contracted hours.

Also, everyone is very kind and incredibly helpful ( make dominated) if you screw up or don't know how to do something - it's cool. There is no blame culture at all. It's hard for new people - they struggle to get it, especially those from a corporate environment - hence me being paid to chat ( about anything) and coach on our culture.

It's interesting that the female co workers struggle most with the non competitive environment that is promted. It's like " chill" but they can't.

There is no dynamic team enforcement - it's weird actually, from my own experience in corporate life- it's very fluid but works for us.

Pay that equals the quality of work they want you to do. Listening to what employees think would make a huge improvement to their morale (because holding surveys on this, and then just ignoring everything everyone has said in those surveys is kind of a kick in the face). Friendliness, especially by the manager: an unkind and disrespectful manager just encourages staff not to work as hard, it makes them feel under valued. Rewarding staff in a way that they would like!

Working together for relatively achievable goals, at least if not achievable then something really inspiring. Not pitted against your colleagues in a dog eat dog battle for kudos and bonus.

Stickers make my work environment brilliant! I award myself stickers or small treats when I've done a good job. I don't know why children should have all the sticker fun.
Reclaim the sticker joy, I say!

Flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.

Realistic workloads and good colleagues.

less jealousy. more equality. and much better wages. :)

A boss that is willing to pitch in and help when needed, I think workers have a lot more respect for bosses who are willing to do all jobs when necessary

Time and space to talk about concerns and find solutions. Team meetings.

trusting in everyones ability to do their job and encouraging a happy attitude in the office

The people you work with. if you have a good working relationship with your manager and your colleagues that is the main thing.

I believe that to keep employees happy the key is communication and to feel like your view is heard. For me, hearing that I have done a good job is as important as financial gain. To be properly listened to, respected and have the chance to discuss issues with my colleagues is the most important thing (and a chance to have a brew and a natter!)

Being able to get lunch/coffee instead of having to work through, flexibility, having concerns listened to and acted on rather than just paid lip service to.

Bright (not fluorescent) lighting.
Civil colleagues.
Company mission/drive and a consensus to work towards it.

Every working environment is under stress these days, from management downwards. I understand that and I would be happy in any job but for one thing. I don't expect to be congratulated or patted on the head every single time I do something above and beyond but then please don't jump down my throat for one, single mistake or oversight.

A relaxed working environment where everyone works together as a team

For managers to realise that you get the best out of people by treating them with respect and dignity. Helping ambitious people to progress, being willing to mediate between colleagues if necessary, stamping on undesirable behaviours, such as gossiping and taking time to notice that someone has done a good job.

Having clean surroundings where broken equipment is fixed or replaced without it taking months. I think all staff accept that money is.tight but good will and happiness often go quickly if you're sat in a broken chair, the bathroom floods and the photocopier is broken more than it a working. Agree with the person who said windows too

A great boss.

A place where backbiting is discouraged and, most important, having a boss who has your back!

Environment. I would like to feel "at home". I'd like to wear what I like and for there to be sofas where you could sit with your laptop and work. Flexible working arrangements and/or ability to work from home is very important.