Employee satisfaction is a measure of how happy workers are with their job and working environment. Keeping morale high among workers can be of tremendous benefit to any company, as happy workers will be more likely to produce more, take fewer days off, and stay loyal to the company. There are many factors in improving or maintaining high employee satisfaction, which wise employers would do well to implement.

To measure employee satisfaction, many companies will have mandatory surveys or face-to-face meetings with employees to gain information. Both of these tactics have pros and cons, and should be chosen carefully. Surveys are often anonymous, allowing workers more freedom to be honest without fear of repercussion. Interviews with company management can feel intimidating, but if done correctly can let the worker know that their voice has been heard and their concerns addressed by those in charge.

Many experts believe that one of the best ways to maintain employee satisfaction is to make workers feel like part of a family or team. Holding office events, such as parties or group outings, can help build close bonds among workers. Many companies also participate in team-building retreats that are designed to strengthen the working relationship of the employees in a non-work related setting. Camping trips, Paintball wars and guided backpacking trips are versions of this type of team-building strategy, with which many employers have found success.

Energy -- If the air around the office is crackling with energy and enthusiasm then it definitely indicates that everyone is raring to go! The spring in the step definitely indicates that the person is charged up to face a multitude of tasks. A spontaneous rendition of the latest popular song while being alert and glued to the monitor just indicates that the person is enjoying his job just like one would a song and dance routine!

Smile -- This curve is the most obvious indication of an employee's satisfaction. Happy employees make for happy work environments. The lack of a smile and an agitated demeanor clearly signals that the employee is not happy about something within the company, be it the individual's job, or the work environment.

Banter -- Office banter roughly includes coffee table and lunchroom conversations and general gossip. Keep track of the groups of employees who gravitate together out of common interests. What is being discussed at these places will help the HR department effectively pinpoint the levels of satisfaction within the office.

Willingness to take on extra -- Employees who are happy with their jobs do not mind taking extra loads of the same kind. Since they obviously enjoy what they are doing, they do not mind the extra work once in a while!

Faithfulness to Deadlines! -- Adhering to deadlines is not a problem when a job is executed with enthusiasm. Lack of motivation coupled with lethargy is kept at bay as the work is viewed not as burden but as fun.

The backbone of employee satisfaction is respect for workers and the job they perform. In every interaction with management, employees should be treated with courtesy and interest. An easy avenue for employees to discuss problems with upper management should be maintained and carefully monitored. Even if management cannot meet all the demands of employees, showing workers that they are being heard and putting honest dedication into compromising will often help to improve morale.

By Priti Shah