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

For me, one of the most important things is a comfortable working environment, and that means one that I have control of - temperature and lighting are the things that bother me most. I have absolutely no control over my working environment currently (and never will!) but it would make a huge difference to me if I did!

Natural light, flexible hours and being respected/treated like an adult. Also progression/training options help.

Approachable management makes a big difference. My boss has an open door always.

We have a lot of work events like movie nights and that's really lovely, especially when I first started working there as it was an easy way to get to know everyone.

Our staff room is lovely with a big communal table to eat at and comfy chairs to relax in. It's got a full kitchen too. Also the staff toilets are nice which I really think makes a big difference!

Equality, fairness, flexibility and great coffee and snacks to keep energy levels up! :)

The right equipment is really important and i like it when company's think ahead and they don't have a one shoe fits all policy because life is not like that. Being approachable is also really important and I like having a boss who puts in time for me on a regular basis regardless of whether I need it or not.

Managers and staff appreciating each other and flexible working hours. Good communication is important too.

I never really thought about this until the last couple of years... work sickness policies can be horrendous. The one at my work is appalling, and is one of the main reasons people don't stay for long - especially if they've been unfortunate enough to get ill. I had 3 slipped discs 2 years ago necessitating a lot of "instances" off sick, which means now if I'm ill I only get statutory pay. Even though my back problem puts me under the scope of the equality act. I need to not be off sick for 12 months to be eligible for company sick pay again - so that means people with disabilities under the equality act are not allowed to get run of the mill illnesses like a cold! I know companies have to be careful not to let people take the piss, but when you're genuinely ill it's not fair.

In addition to this, my manager is completely incapable of doing her job and relies on me picking up the pieces. I had to have 2 weeks off for stress earlier this year as a result - unpaid. And it was caused by them!

I now do the absolute bare minimum to meet my contractual agreement with them - before I would stay late to finish up and work through lunchtimes if necessary to get the job done. Now I take the full hour for lunch and leave on the dot. Why should I give more when it's neither recognized or rewarded? I have completely stopped caring about the company, which is a shame because I used to give it everything.

I'm about to go on maternity leave, so my sickness will reset (I hope!) But if this is the only way to get back this safety net then it seems short sighted!!! And discriminatory against men!

A happy working environment for me is one where there is space and air. I once worked in a cramped call-centre where things were messy, cluttered and the air felt stuffy and hot. As a result, the people were stressed.

A new manager reorganised the place completely, made space by getting rid of pointless displays and moving cubicles around, cut down clutter and allowed everyone to personalise their workspace by choosing colours etc. She had the air-con fixed and had the (new) cleaner open the windows to air the place as she worked.

She was literally a breath of fresh air and the difference in how people felt was amazing. People actually asked to withdraw their notice of leaving. it was amazing how much of an impact the physical surroundings had on the workforce.

Flexible working hours, ideally term time only, though I appreciate this can be very tricky.

Also, a boss who takes the time to say thanks and praise your efforts-that counts for more than monetary recognition.

Flexible working hours, ideally term time only, though I appreciate this can be very tricky.

Also, a boss who takes the time to say thanks and praise your efforts-that counts for more than monetary recognition.

Personalitys that fit together in a team, as one person can break the atmosphere. Trusted to get on with your job but support when needed.
Flexible working hours to fit round childcare.
And plenty of biscuits!

Friendly staff willing to help each other and share the failures as well as the successes. Flexible hours to help people's work/life balance. Lots of tea and cake!

My own desk - hotdesking is horrible.

To be able to work from home. Have the technology but the boss doesn't like it. Cretin.

Remember to say thank you and well done to staff.

Don't let bosses act like arrogant sexist arseholes.

Small treats - tea, cake.

I would like to see a return of the 1970's party for children of staff. Office Christmas parties can be a bit cringy but my Dad and I still remember the children's party his factory used to run every Christmas with happiness and nostalgia.

I don't suppose anyone will ever bring these things back, but you can hope.

vixo we're blasted by icy air con once the outside temp hits 20 degrees . Our pod gets the worst of it so we slow down, and grumble. I can't think or type in cold air.

A good boss - knowing that all the work I do is appreciated and that if there is ever a problem it will not be left to stew. Working from home for my business means that it can be isolating but the team speak daily from around the country and are always their for one another.

being treated as an adult and allowed to get on with my role, non being micro managed, and a boss who recognises not just exceptional work or extra effort but the everday work

No favouritism and teamwork.

The option to work from home, flexible working times and being made to feel like a valuable member of a team.

Recognising and appreciating the individuals that comprise your team. Sharing responsibilities and delegating.

Flexible working hours; an outdoor space to take a break and get some fresh air through the day; a boss who's approachable and takes the time to get to know his/her employees.

Fair pay and holidays, pleasant working environment, respect and trust between employer and employee, flexible working conditions, and positive approach to work.

Good relaxed atmosphere, plenty of opportunity to discuss issues within the working environment.

Not being treated like a 5 year old if you have the audacity to call in sick, and not being asked for a sick note or if you have been to the doctors if you call saying you've got something stupid like a sick bug

Being treated like an adult and feeling valued. Feeling that what you're doing is worthwhile.
Employers who respect working hours and appreciate that you have a life and commitments outside of work.
An appropriate balance of responsibility and autonomy - it's stressful to have a lot of responsibility but no power to control your work or how you manage it.
Natural light and a comfortable temperature would be great too.